Delinquent Deposit Return

[mootmoot]

My landlord and I have had a positive relationship throughout our stay at his property. I have helped rebuild and repari much of the house. Until our notice of 30 days, our relationship was flexible and manageable. He never seemed to be good with money, but has always been forthcoming when it came to me because of all that I have done with the house. Upon our final walkthrough, he stated the house was in prestine condition, better than when we moved in and wrote that our deposit would be sent to us one the first of the month. The month has almost been finished and no rent. He has contacted me through voicemail and has asked if we could work some payment option back. I have yet to speak to him on the phone. Since I have a written contract saying he would pay me back by a certain date, what are my options?

[Southernthang]

Interesting problem. I was a landlord for a few years and I know that any deposits a tenant pays to a landlord are supposed to be put into a separate, interest baring account. When you move out, providing the property is at least as good as it was when you moved in, you are supposed to get that deposit back with the interest accrued. It sounds like your landlord didn't do that. If you have a local housing athority where you live, you could contact them and ask what recourse you have. Bottom line, it sounds like your landlord made a big boo boo by not putting that deposit in an account.
Southernthang.

[mootmoot]

Forgive my ignorance, but what will the housing authority do for me? If the landlord lives in a different city, do I have to contact that city? Yes, I also believe the landlord did not do what he was supposed to and I want to give him some slack, but I don't want to be trampled on. I am hoping for a peaceful solution, but if I have to make it a legal issue, I will.