I leased a house for a year with security deposit, then for 2 years without a signed lease. Am I still obligated to return the deposit?

Question

I leased a house for a year with security deposit, then for 2 years without a signed lease. Am I still obligated to return the deposit?

Answer

A security deposit is paid by a tenant which is held by the landlord as security that the leased premises will be returned at the end of the lease term in the same condition as it was at the commencement of the lease term, ordinary wear and tear excepted. If any damage is done by the tenant, the landlord must notify the tenant in writing within 30 days after the tenant has vacated the property. The notice must be specific in listing the damage claimed by the landlord and must also itemize the cost to repair each item of damage claimed by the landlord. Any excess funds must then be returned to the tenant.

If there is no damage to the leased premises, the landlord is obligated to return the security deposit in full to the tenant within 30 days from the date on which the tenant vacated the leased premises. If the landlord fails to return the security deposit, he is subject to substantial penalties.

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