Personal Consumer Issues • Return of Security Deposit/Small Claims Court?

I've run across a situation I've never faced before.

I live in a state that requires that a landlord return a tenant's security deposit and any list of deductions within 14 days after the lease ends.

It's been a month for me and now the landlord's rep is not returning my messages...I am a bit surprised since they were responsive while I leased from them....
It's a real estate developer and well known in the area, not a fly by night organization.

Apparently as I've researched, the way to go is to contact the Attorney General's office for this state and then if need be, file in Small Claims Court.
I've never done this....aren't those records public? I am trying to imagine why a corporation would want a negative public record. (I used to work for one that did everything to avoid them)

Have you ever gone the route of Small Claims Court? how was it? From what I've read, the other party usually doesn't show and you win by default - but good god, then I have to file a lIen?
What gives.

(not legal advice per forum guidelines, procedure focused)
to op:
1
Do you have a copy of the "Landlord Tenant Code" for your state and area?
2
Have you spoken to legal counsel (often a stigma that talking to legal counsel means "evil lawsuit", but consult to learn your options is the goal in this case).???
Again, Have you taken a copy of your "lease agreement" to an attorney for initial consult?
3
Is there a physical property management address that you can visit and talk to someone?
4
Have you sent a physical letter (paper, envelope, stamp) to the landlord informing them of the situation and "suggesting" legal action if no resolution?
5
How much money is at steak?
How much will it cost you to retrieve this money?
6
Realize that in "small claims court", as far as "procedure" (not legal advice per forum guidelines), if you "win", you will most often be given a "judgement to collect". This means the "court" is not going to collect your money but give you the right to collect your money. At that point, your options are; collection agency, letters to the landlord from legal counsel, etc. AFAIK (dislaimer, not legal counsel).
7
Seek legal counsel.

j

Statistics: Posted by Sandtrap — Thu Dec 25, 2025 7:00 am — Replies 22 — Views 961

---