Landlord not returning my full deposit money

3 years ago

Hi Sir/madam,

I had taken a house on rent in Bengaluru for monthly Rent of Rs. 13,500/-.
and the deposit amount of Rs. 1,00,000/- was paid at the time of agreement.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic issue, I had to vacate the house on 31st May 2020.
I informed the landlord about vacating on May 21st 2020.
I handed over the possession of the house by returning the keys on 1st June 2020.

The landlord asked sometime to return the security deposit amount, to which I agreed.

The landlord messaged me on 23rd August(almost 3 months after vacating the house) that she is going to deduct two months rent from deposit amount and credit the remaining Rs. 73,000/-.

Our Rental agreement reads like this, "The lessee has to continue tenancy for a minimum of 11 months as per agreement. If the lessee wants to vacate the flat before 11 months then balance rent will be deducted from the security deposit. If the lessee wishes to continue after 11 months new rent amount fixed by the Lessor has to be discussed and agreed. On continuation of agreement after 11 months, if the Lessee wants to vacate the house before the last date of the renewed agreement, then lessee has to inform the owner two months in advance for settlement. "

There is no where mentioned that she can deduct the 2 months rent from the deposit amount. it says for settlement. And I have given sufficient time close to 3 months to settle the deposit amount.

Kindly advice what action I can take to recover my full deposit amount.