Security deposit

Your landlord must return your security deposit to you or provide you with an itemized list of what they are withholding within 45 days of moving out, if you have left the unit in good order and provide a forwarding address in writing. Your landlord may not deduct costs for repairing normal wear and tear, however they may deduct cost of damages beyond normal wear and tear. They can also deduct unpaid rent and fees. They are legally required to give you an itemized list of what they are withholding and can only withhold the actual cost of the repairs, unpaid rent, and fees.

Filing a Claim

If they don’t follow these guidelines, or you disagree with how much is owed, you can take them to small claims court. Filing a claim in small claims court is intended to be relatively easy for anyone to do. You can go to the small claims court in the township in which the property was located and get the necessary forms to file the claim. If you would like the assistance of a legal aid attorney, you can go here.