Getting deposit back

[ksa5]

I found on craigslist a room to rent in a house. I started renting the room in september from the daugther of the owner of the house, who was also living there. I originally told them i was moving out in december from the very beginning that i moved in. However, I ended up moving out at the end of november without giving a 30 days notice. Now the owner doesn't want to give me my deposit back. Can she do this, even though I didn't sign or see any contract?

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Yes; a security deposit can be used for owed rent.

In the absence of a written lease, a tenant is considered to have a "tenancy at will"; a month to month renter. Most states require at least a 30 day written notice (some states require more, some less) that either side (landlord or tenant) is terminating the lease.

If a landlord does this, this gives the tenant some time to look for another place to rent. If a tenant does this, this gives the landlord some time to find a replacement renter.

If you'll mention the state this took place in, I'll do some more searching on the specifics of how much notice needs to be given.

Gail

 

[ksa5]

this occured in California.

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

This will provide a good review of the steps to ending a periodic tenancy in your state...

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/moving-out.shtml

How much notice you need to give is dependent on how you pay your rent; if rent is paid monthly, the requirement is a 30 day notice.

I hope this helps...

Gail

 

[ksa5]

Ms. Gail, thank you for all your help!!!!