This is the second most popular Landlord / Tenant issue that we consult on. The tune of the song sung by a student goes a little something like this:
"When I moved out I got a note from the landlord that they weren't sending any of the security deposit back. The apartment was as clean when I left as when I arrived and I never agreed to pay $400 for cleaning services. Do cleaning services even cost that much? Why does he get to keep everything then?"
The major law that controls situations like these is Pennsylvania's Landlord/Tenant Act of 1951. The law is fairly straightforward on security deposits. Within thirty days of termination of the lease or surrender of a leasehold the landlord must return the security deposit in full or a list of deductions and the remainder of the security deposit. If this doesn't happen or if an improper deduction is made the landlord is liable to be sued under Section 250.512.Recovery of Improperly Held Escrow Funds found on page 17-18. This section permits recovery of double the amount of damages as well as court costs.
"When I moved out I got a note from the landlord that they weren't sending any of the security deposit back. The apartment was as clean when I left as when I arrived and I never agreed to pay $400 for cleaning services. Do cleaning services even cost that much? Why does he get to keep everything then?"
The major law that controls situations like these is Pennsylvania's Landlord/Tenant Act of 1951. The law is fairly straightforward on security deposits. Within thirty days of termination of the lease or surrender of a leasehold the landlord must return the security deposit in full or a list of deductions and the remainder of the security deposit. If this doesn't happen or if an improper deduction is made the landlord is liable to be sued under Section 250.512.Recovery of Improperly Held Escrow Funds found on page 17-18. This section permits recovery of double the amount of damages as well as court costs.