Updated almost 7 years ago on . Most recent reply
Tenant Contesting Security Deposit Return
My husband and I purchased a duplex in Grand Rapids, MI in July and took over August 1. We recently had the last of the tenants move out, and after sending them a security deposit return, they have decided to contest it.
An interesting piece, that may/may not be relevant is that the tenant that is contesting the claim was not the one that was sent the security deposit return. Both tenants stated that the female roommate was the only one that had paid into the deposit, and that she is the one that should receive the return. I am wondering if the male roommate has any place to contest the return when he wasn't the one receiving it.
Has anyone gone through this, and what should my next steps be. I have time sheets and photographic evidence to prove my claims and charges, so I am not worried about supporting myself... I just need to know what to do next.
Most Popular Reply
Do you live in Grand Rapids? if so, I highly suggest joining the RPOA. The team there are able to answer these questions all day long. Well worth the low membership fee.
It seems tenant 1 is asking tenant 2 for the difference in the security deposit that held back. Did you return a partial security deposit or none at all? Did the damages result to more than what the security deposit was?
If you took from the security deposit what was owed then there would be no need for you to go to small claims court. If they are more than he would either need to go to small claims court or filed for a money judgment.
I’m sure if it went to court the judge would ask who was on the lease and not ehocthe security deposit belonged to.
Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney!