owner asking for house keys without returning the security deposit
10 months ago
Hello,
I hope this message finds you well. I am in urgent need of advice regarding my security deposit and the issue I am facing with the house owner. I canceled a rental house almost a month ago without even moving in due to the troubles caused by the owner. After numerous attempts to contact him, he finally responded yesterday.
Initially, he refused to refund the deposit, but later he offered to return only half of it. Now, he insists that I return the house keys before he transfers any funds. However, I have been unable to reach him all these days and he's been avoiding my calls by telling he is in the USA or some other reason , and he has not returned my security deposit yet.
I believe he is using the house keys as leverage to obtain them from me without guaranteeing the full refund. Can he deduct money from the deposit for not returning the keys? Am I at fault for not returning them? I am seeking advice on the appropriate course of action.
Any assistance or guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
The rental agreement you have signed before putting in the security deposit will determine the conditions under which you get it back. Please go through that to get better clarity of your rights against your landlord in such a situation
When you agreed to rent that property, you would have signed a certain rental agreement that stipulates the conditions under which you have agreed to do so.
Most rental agreements are pretty standard and have similar conditions regarding security deposits, etc.
It is suggested to go over such agreement to support your claim to get a refund of your security deposit back
Thank you