Legally Speaking Questions & Answers

May 29

Q: One viewer was leasing a house, paid the initial deposit and has since given notice and moved out; however, now the landlord is keeping the deposit. She has sent several letters via certified mail. What recourse does she have?

A: The lease agreement specifies under what circumstances a landlord can keep a deposit. It varies lease to lease. It is something you can negotiate with your landlord, but if a landlord is not entitled to keep that money, they only have a specific period of time in which they have to return it to the renter. In this case, she should consult an attorney or go to small claims court herself.

Q: If you have a pool in your backyard and there is an accident, are you held responsible?

A: Pool owners should make sure they have secured their property and locked the gates and even perhaps cover the pool. You do not want the legal responsibility of an accident happening in your pool.