Question about Apartment Security Deposit Refunds

[AMC]

Does anyone know if there's a law re: how quickly your apartment security deposit is supposed to be refunded to you once you move out at the end of your lease? I can't find anything specific so I was wondering if anyone knew. My lease ended March 31 and the building management said it could take up to 8 to 10 weeks for my security deposit to be refunded. That seems like too a long time to wait for my money to be refunded. I'm sure the building management would throw a fit if they had to wait that long for rent to be paid.

Does anyone know if there's a requirement for the deposit to be refunded sooner or do I just have to be patient and wait it out? Thanks.

[jonnyc39]

I believe the law in NYC is that the landlord must return your deposit in "reasobable time." 8-10 weeks sounds like a safe timeframe for them to tell you, and I'd be surprised if you didn't get it much sooner.

Edit: rentlaw.com has some info http://www.rentlaw.com/dep/nydeposit.htm

[West Texas]

In Texas, 30 days. Not sure about the law where you reside.

[penfold]

Out here, they deduct cleaning bills from your deposit. As in, even if you leave the place spotless, the landlords'll paint the place for the new residents and it comes out of your deposit.

[Luvtino]

In CA I believe it is 21 days according to a friend of mine, but it varies according to the state. Does your actual wrriten lease say anything about the return of the deposit?! 8-10 weeks seems too long. Check it.

You should try and do a walk through with someone from the establishment before you leave. I also suggest taking pictures before you move out as proof in the event they try and get you on damages you didn't do.

[AMC]

I believe the law in NYC is that the landlord must return your deposit in "reasobable time." 8-10 weeks sounds like a safe timeframe for them to tell you, and I'd be surprised if you didn't get it much sooner.

Edit: rentlaw.com has some info http://www.rentlaw.com/dep/nydeposit.htm

Thanks. I'll check out the link.

[AMC]

In CA I believe it is 21 days according to a friend of mine, but it varies according to the state. Does your actual wrriten lease say anything about the return of the deposit?! 8-10 weeks seems too long. Check it.

You should try and do a walk through with someone from the establishment before you leave. I also suggest taking pictures before you move out as proof in the event they try and get you on damages you didn't do.

I moved out of the apartment already so I can't do that but I know I didn't damage anything. They'd better not try to pull anything but I really don't think they will. It's a pretty good building and I don't think they operate that way. It's so nice to be out of my studio apartment and into a regular sized apartment. I finally have plenty of room and can actually do a full grocery shopping for the first time in a long while. It's great.

[IronCaballo4]

From what I've heard, the apartment where I live doesn't return the deposit 99.9% of the time, no matter how spotless you leave the place

[yankeebot]

From what I've heard, the apartment where I live doesn't return the deposit 99.9% of the time, no matter how spotless you leave the place

I've taken apartment owners to small claims court twice to get my deposit back. Won both times. Keep it in mind.

[IronCaballo4]

I've taken apartment owners to small claims court twice to get my deposit back. Won both times. Keep it in mind.

I will, thanks. I'm glad I'll be moving out of there in october, but I'm concerned about my mom, who will be there alone. The lease isn't up til February and it's getting a little more dangerous with some shady ghetto types moving in

[Mezmerize]

Check your state's general laws. You should be able to find a copy at your local library or probably online. In Rhode Island its 30 days I believe. I had a guy go 50 on me and didnt refund a penny. It was worth it though because I trashed his piece of ................ apartment. ................ him.

[mjdlight]

30 days in New Jersey. I'm very lucky in that every place I've lived has refunded well within 30 days. One place turned it around in 5.

[yankeesAZ]

30 days in WA.

Also for those worried about what "damage" a landlord may find, request a final walk through before you turn in the keys. Some will do it and tell you right there what kind of "damages" they will take out. At least this way they tell it right to your face.