Deposit Dispute
have a friend who moved, and is not getting his $2000 dollar deposit back.
She said it was held for landscaping.
Fisrt off, this seems like it falls under normal wear and tear, and has nothing to do with the deposit.
He wants his money back but she has refused.
Is there anything besides small claims? how soon should a court action be filed. She is selling the house too, if that matters.
Perhaps your friend should file a mechanics lien against the property for the amount of his security deposit. Small claim court may only grant a judgement, but does not guarantee collection.
If my property had grass and five live trees when the rentor moved in, and all the plant material is dead when the rentor moves out - my lease states that the rentor is responsible for maintaining the yard and I would deduct it from his security deposit. Watering and mantaining the plant material is as important as changing the air filter, keeping the drain pipes clean, etc.
Brenda