The Attorney General investigates rent security deposit complaints. We help resolve complaints that a landlord has failed to place security deposits in trust accounts, has failed to pay interest on deposits if required by law, has charged more than one month’s rent for a security deposit or advance fee, or has failed to return the security deposit when the tenant moved out. If, however, your landlord refuses to return your security deposit because, for example, your landlord says that you failed to pay rent or damaged the apartment, you must generally go to Small Claims Court to resolve the dispute. You may also be entitled to punitive damages if you paid more than one month’s rent for a security deposit or advance fee. However, the Attorney General cannot collect punitive damages. Tenants who seek punitive damages must make this claim in court.
Before submitting this complaint to our office, you must attempt to resolve the matter with your landlord.
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Please go to
our general form to submit a complaint involving a vacation rental.
