Landlord Withholding Deposit

[surfincajun]

Hello,

Here is the situation:

We moved out of our apartment the weekend of August 26-27,2006. I then hand delivered the keys to the office receptionist on Tuesday August 29,2006. I had a brief conversation with her where she verified my address, gave me a change of address form and asked if I needed anything else, I said can I get a form stating the return of keys, and she said don't worry you will receive your deposit in about 2 weeks.

I left thinking nothing of it. About a month later we get a bill for $50 stating that we did not return the keys until September 9,2006 and put them in the drop box. I called immediately and the receptionist said to send a letter documenting the move and they will review it. I send a later stating the above with a cancelation of electric service. This was sent on October 13,2006. I gave the letter to the receptionist and she said the office manager would call me the next week to discuss the situation. After waiting patiently until Wednesday the following week, I called and the receptionist said that the manager was working on it and will get back to me. I waited, no answer. I then called again the following Wednesday and got the same answer. Thursday, same answer. So then, I sent a certified letter with the same things I sent before, to the manager above. Waited more, called some more. Still no answer. Then on Friday the 27th of October, I presented a new letter to the management with confirmation of change of address with the post office on the 30th of August, A bill at our new residence on the 28th, cancelation of cable for the 28th, cancelation of electric on the 28th and 2 letters. One from my father in law stating that he helped move us out on the 26-27th and my boss stating I left to return keys on my lunch break.

The corporate office finally contacted me after repeated calls. Then I got a letter today saying that they spoke with the management onsite and they were sticking with their managements decision. My question is what should we do?

The deposit is only $225 and there bill $50 but I am a man of principle and can't let this go. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.

Based on what you say here, you could file suit against them (or at least threaten to do so) in small claims court or in regular court; filing in small claims court is easier and requires no attorney.