Security Deposit 29 days termination notice in Feb

[two2twinface]

I rented a room in Delaware for 525/month as a month to month renting. We had an agreement to have written notification of termination of 30 days. Each month starts on the 1st and ends at the end of the month. I notified my landlord on the 31st of Jan, emailed him on the 1st of Fed, and moved out on Feb 29th. He is now withholding my full security deposit of $525 for not notifying him within 30 days since this Feb only has 29 days. What should I do?

 

[Proserpina]

If your lease says 30 days, it means 30 days. 30 days does not mean 29 or 28 days.

The real question though appears to be, "Can he withhold my entire deposit for not giving him the correct notice?". Does your lease say you forfeit the deposit if you don't give the correct notice?

That aside, as a general rule he'd only be entitled to the missing days - not the entire thing.

You might need small claims.

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Is he not returning your security deposit and instead using it for March rent?

Gail