Matthew Philip,
The state laws regulating rental property can be read here: HYPERLINK "http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/504B/"http://www.revisor.leg.state .mn.us/stats/504B/ 504B.178 subd 4 covers what you are asking. If the landlord does not return your damage deposit (or a letter detailing why they retained it), the landlord is liable for damages equal to the damage deposit. IE, they will owe you twice what your damage deposit is, plus interest. One writer recommended Minnesota Multi-housing association. My experience is they are a landlord association. If they help tenants too, that would be a surprise to me. Another writer recommended you send the rent to the county court house. I have never heard of this EXCEPT in the case of an active “rent escrow action.” These cases are complicated – but effective. You might want to read 504B.385 for details on how they work. I suspect your best bet is to follow the lease carefully, take photos of the apartment when you leave (and arm yourself with data about how it looked when you arrived), then prepare to file in conciliation court 22 days after you move out. Hennepin county conciliation court costs $60, does not require an attorney and, if you are victorious, the judge is likely to award you the $60 filing fee in the decision. Regards, Bill Cullen. Whittier Landlord. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.13/78 - Release Date: 8/19/2005 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
