Tenant/Landlord Security Deposit Conflict (State of California)?

In September 2006, there was an illegal activity at my old apartment and one of my guest was involved. The landlord posted a 3-day notice on my door on September 27, 2006. and on September 30, 2006, while I was away my family moved my stuff out because they didn’t fully understand the law. I spoke with the landlord re: my security deposit and she said that I should be receiving within 21 days. However, I did not receive anything, no letter. Later in December I received a letter from a collection agency requesting $210 in addition to the $1069 security deposit. I sent the landlord a letter saying that because they did not respond within 21 days they are to return my money, still they insist that they did. On the sheet it said that they charged me $700 for attorney fees. Is this valid to be charged an attorney fee with no court judgement? and it only stated on the lease, if you don’t respond to the 3 day notice and forced to go to court to be evicted. It is now 2007 can I sue?

Posted in Landlord Tenant Law.

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