What can I do about this? vanillasky: My husband and I rent. Our lease was up so we were going month to month. He moved out mid month. He gave notice to my landlord, but nothing in writing. I was left to decide if I was going to stay or leave. I can't afford much and can't stay without a roommate. My husband and I had separate money and kept separate accounts. He paid for the security deposit when we moved in and from there we split rent. Then he quit his job and for 5 months I was left to scrape and pay the rent on my own on top of all of the home bills. So he moves out and expects to get the deposit back. The security deposit was $1900 and the rent I paid was about $10,000. The fact that he would even ask for it back pisses me off more than anything, but I will fight him all day long on this. I don't know how I am going to get by. I had a bonus from work and that is why I was able to get by for the past few months. Matt I am sure will be calling the landlord and asking for that back. I have told the landlord that it should come to me. What is the landlord's obligation?
Re: What can I do about this? Lumpy: You'll want to stipulate that you want the deposit in the financial portion of your divorce settlement. Seeing as you paid the rent for an extended period of time I'd bet that you could get that. Not sure about the landlords' obligation. I doubt that he/she has any obligation regarding the deposit until the apartment is vacated.
Re: What can I do about this? jillieb44: As far as I know the landlord won't refund the security deposit until AFTER you vacate the premises. He doesn't really care whose money it was initially, so I can't see him giving it to your ex then coming after you for another deposit. Worst thing your ex could do is try to sue you for it or try to get it during the divorce settlement, but you have good reasons why he shouldn't have it (but I'm no judge).
Jillie
