What is the best type of lawyer to contact concerning security deposit not returned?
May 27th, 2011 | 
Author: My landlord will not return my $2300 security deposit and I’m taking her to court, looking for a good attorney right now to take the case. Not sure the kind to look up. Thanks for any help
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
That’s bad math; a “good” lawyer it’s going to charge you way more that $2,300 and there is no warranty you can win.
To give you an idea a “cheap” lawyer can charge you about $1,000 just for taking your case and another $1,000 per court visit and there is no way to know how long your case it’s going to take and you can even lose anyway. And don’t forget, the cost of trasportation and missing work.
Take the case to Small Claim Court, where no lawyers are required, only the Judge listening to both of you.
If you still want the lawyer then look for a Civil Court Lawyer specialized in “Tenants’ Laws”.
In some states, the refusal to return a security deposit makes the tenant eligible for 3 times the amount fo the deposit, so it may be in your best interest to try and handle it yourself if you can.
If you want to talk to an attorney about it, contact one who specializes in real estate.
Go to the Landlord/Tenant Division of the Superior Court, Law DIvision.
What is the reason the Landlord is giving you for not returning your security deposit? I’m assuming you left your apartment in excellent, broom-clean condition.
Most attorneys will give you a free initial visit–so, visit an attorney, tell him your problem, ask him what he will charge and take it from there.