What can I do if my landlord doesn't refund the deposit?
September 3, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Krebs
Dear Sir or Madam,
some time ago I terminated my apartment and have now moved out. However, my landlord refuses to refund me the deposit of 1000 euros. He claims that I have caused damages that need to be covered by the deposit. However, I have completed all necessary repairs upon moving out and left the apartment in perfect condition.
I am now concerned that I will not get my money back and do not know what to do in this situation. I have tried to contact my landlord several times, but he is not responding to my calls and emails. I have also tried to speak with him in person when he was at the apartment, but he refuses to meet with me.
Can you please help me and advise on what steps I can take to get my deposit back? Are there any legal actions I can take to reclaim my money? I am really worried and do not know how to proceed.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Claudia Walter
Dear Mrs. Walter,
I can understand your frustration and concern in this situation very well. The question of whether and to what extent the landlord is entitled to retain a part or the entire deposit is a common source of dispute between tenants and landlords. In your case, it seems that your landlord is withholding the deposit without a valid reason, despite you having carried out all necessary repairs and leaving the apartment in perfect condition.
First of all, it is important to know that the landlord is only entitled to retain the deposit if there are actual damages in the apartment that go beyond normal wear and tear. The deposit is meant to cover damages that occurred during the tenancy and are the responsibility of the tenant.
In your case, it seems that you have carried out all necessary repairs and left the apartment in perfect condition. If the landlord still claims that there are damages that need to be covered by the deposit, it is important for you to gather evidence. Take photos of the apartment upon moving out, so that you can prove in case of a dispute that the apartment was left in good condition. Also, carefully review your lease agreement to see if there are specific provisions regarding the return of the deposit.
If your landlord continues to ignore your requests and does not return the deposit, you can take legal action. You can hire a lawyer to help you assert your rights. The lawyer can send an official letter to the landlord demanding the return of the deposit. If the landlord still does not respond, a lawsuit can be filed in court.
It is important that you gather all relevant documents and evidence to strengthen your position. If you need assistance, I am here to help.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Krebs
