What can a tenant do if their landlord does not return the security deposit?

A tenant in Pennsylvania with a landlord who does not return a security deposit has a few options available. First, the tenant can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s office. The Attorney General has the power to investigate and pursue legal action against landlords who fail to return security deposits. Second, the tenant can file a lawsuit against the landlord in Small Claims Court. Small Claims Court allows tenants to file a case against a landlord without the help of a lawyer. The tenant can explain their situation to the judge and ask for their security deposit to be returned. Third, the tenant can take the landlord to tenant arbitration. Landlord-tenant arbitration allows an outside party to make a final and binding decision about a dispute between a landlord and tenant. Both parties need to agree with the decision of the arbitrator. Finally, the tenant has the option to file a civil lawsuit against the landlord. This option is more complex than the other options, requiring the tenant to hire a lawyer and follow the steps of a civil trial. In any situation, it is a good idea to have documentation of the security deposit payment and to keep records of all communication with the landlord. Taking photos of the rental property before and after the tenant moves in can also help prove that the security deposit was not used for damages.

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What can a tenant do if their landlord does not return the security deposit?

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