questions & answers

Question: The property management company is trying to charge a new deposit. I've lived here since 3/5/19 and have already paid a deposit to the previous property manager that was handling this unit. He was fired due to theft. He drafted my lease to show my move in date to be 4/30/19 instead of 3/5/19. I paid a deposit and rent for march and april and the property management company has no record of it and are unable to locate the person who was fired. What can I do?

Answer: Any tenant who pays a deposit should obtain a receipt or at least have some formal record of the payment and also ensure that any written lease they sign accurately reflects the terms of the rental agreement (including the move-in date) between the landlord and the tenant. Any tenant whose landlord denies that they received the tenant’s payment may wish to correspond with the landlord in writing, including copies of any additional documentation (for example, a utility bill showing the date on which the tenant’s electricity service started) that will support the tenant’s position.