Security deposits

Security Deposits: It's Your Money

In 2012 Tenants Together conducted a survey of our members, finding that 60% experienced unfair withholding of some or all of their deposit.The report recommended two reforms to ensure that tenants are not unfairly deprived of their deposits. First, it is recommended that tenant deposits be kept in accounts that are separate from the landlord's personal. Second, it is recommended that mandatory penalties be imposed for improper retention of security deposit funds by landlords. 

Christina

I moved out of my apartment after my neighbors and my landlord began calling me and harassing me about where my boyfriend parked. He barely came over, but when he did, he parked in a communal parking area where other tenants families/friends parked. Being a young, single female, I became uncomfortable with being watched and constantly harassed. I gave my 30 days notice and moved out. My landlord and I completed the final walk-through together where she said she would be charging me for cleaning, even though I had cleaned it so it was in better condition than when I had moved in.

Myron

I am facing an eviction which i feel has been illegally forced up on me by perpertrators that were denying me employment,healthcare, and humane living conditions suitable for children and raising a family. What happened was i was living as caregiver for my grandparents before they passed away. the house went into foreclosure after they passed away and since i didnt have job or wasnt attending college. I didnt have work experience which looked good for my resume to employers.

Blanco

Landlords have been found in violation of illegally renting apartments that are considered occupant non-permitted and uninhabitable conditions; rather than landlords working with tenant, we have been illegally evicted with unlawful detainer and have been retaliated against. Landlords have an attorney who is not willing to communicate with us and making it extremely difficult for us. I suffer from HIV, anxiety, depression, heart palpitations and high blood pressure; it is unfortunate that they do not care about our health during the process of litigation in small claims court.

Rosemarie

Paid rent on time for six years. The rent was much higher than what the place was worth. Landlord kept deposit after I moved out. The reason I moved was because the landlord wanted to move back in. When I moved in the place was mess but it seemed like the new landlord was a decent person so I didn't mind cleaning it up, etc. there were some things that I could not do in terms of repairs or remodeling because it Wes too much money. The landlord continually encouraged And even ask about me doing remodeling of the place.

Julia

We decided to move to Temecula from Orange co, in October we viewed this property, the present tenants had a lease until end of Jan, but in the craigslist ad, she said they were prepared to move end of December 2011 we viewed the property and liked it, she also said she wanted to sell it and if we liked it she wanted 20k for the money she spent on the property, which meant 310k in total, however, we decided after moving in we would just lease it as that was an option too, we found a lot of problems, doors and walls knocked in, the pool needed 10k to put right within the next 6 months, so we

karen

My bf and I live in a large complex. There is a Sac Co. Housing Ord., that requires owners to register, take inspection course before marketing the unit; and unit was eventually cited for no heat, no cold water, inoperative lighting, electricity, roaches, mold, water intrusion in bath... the county housing authority just cited the owner and did nothing more.. we complained right when we moved in, after prepaying two months rent and deposit; LL would not refund, would not credit acct., did not offer another unit... was sued for ud and fighting abuse by attorney and judges...

karen

We/I and my co-tenants are in Sac County. There is no law/motion tentative ruling calendar for limited jurisdiction, really... there are no tenant rights advocates here. A motion to quash was filed and Judge ruled outside law, (after we disqualified for no cause the Judge who coerces tenants into mediation at bench trials).. we are filing a Petition with Appellate Dept and expect to go higher.. the bias is so deep and pervasive in this county .. it is really scary.

Lakeyia

My story is too long to post here though I plan to give a fully break down of it. I been black listed and keep hearing this name called Tenants Alliance or the National Tenant Network as I'm denied for every home I apply for have no evictions or convictions but have fault a few hierarchies and made enemies. I have been alone in these battles lost 2 children in the process and they still come after me.

Jenny

landlord of San jose Ca University Apt located on 502 S. 4th street Phil Marquez charged my roommate and i for window cleaning and bathroom cleaning. When clearly when we moved in they were that bad. And the bathtub due to wear and tear gets worse over a 6 year duration. I contacted Phil politely to speak with him about clarifying the charges on our deposit. It states window/bath/kitchen =120 i asked him can you clarify each charge and he rudely said no i can't do that then went on yelling and verbally abusing me. Saying things like did you go to school why are you so stupid.

Help build power for renters' rights: