21-day Security Deposit Return - Landlord Forum thread

21-day Security Deposit Return by Anonymous on October 31, 2009 @20:31

One-year lease. Tenant sends me email less than 30 days notice indicating she is terminating the lease before it ends. Gives me back keys. Other tenant out to sea but indicates he wants to stay in house. When does the 21-day period begin?

Moved out tenant seems to think the 21-days starts when she moved out. This tenant wants also the full security deposit back just because the security deposit check came from her bank account. Out to sea tenant verified monies were transferred into her account on his behalf for security deposit and monthly rent.

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Re: 21-day Security Deposit Return by Anonymous on October 31, 2009 @21:32

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Doesn't matter. Since one tenant has not yet vacated, there is no 21 day notice. That clock doesn't start ticking until the unit is vacant and you have possession. If the other tenant still has keys and belongings in there, the place is still occupied (if only by his stuff for now). Tell him to keep paying the rent and the place is still his. Let her know that since the place isn't vacant, you don't return any deposits until it is. And then, since there were 2 tenants on the lease, you return the deposit to both tenants jointly. Let them work out who takes what money.

Re: 21-day Security Deposit Return by Micah on October 31, 2009 @21:33	[ Reply ]
I'm confused. Is the unit completely vacant? Are both people on the lease? You do not return a SD until the entire unit is vacated by all parties. If one roommate moved out but not the other then it is up to them to settle this, not you. The one staying can buy out the deposit of the one leaving if they feel like it.

Re: 21-day Security Deposit Return by Ultimate M-Bone on November 1, 2009 @10:23	[ Reply ]
Nothing more annoying and confusing than a tenant posting a question in a third person poseing as a landlord and doing it again when already answered.