Owner is harassing with security deposit

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In this situation, the owner’s decision to withhold the security deposit and only return a fraction appears to be based on claims of excessive repair costs, but you have the right to challenge any unreasonable deductions. Since he gave you limited time to clean and inspect the property, you could argue that he prevented you from fulfilling the clause of returning it in the same condition. To strengthen your position, consider reviewing the lease agreement carefully, especially any terms about wear and tear or property condition upon vacating. If possible, gather any evidence of the property’s condition at the time of handover, such as photos or witness statements. This can counter any exaggerated claims the owner might make about the property’s state. Since he’s abroad, initiating a formal communication is crucial. You can send a legal notice through an advocate demanding the return of the full security deposit, citing the lack of sufficient notice for cleaning and repair. The notice could outline that the amount withheld is unreasonable and request an itemized explanation of each deduction. If he does not respond fairly, filing a case in a consumer forum or small claims court could be effective, as they handle landlord-tenant disputes regarding security deposits.

Advocate Rohan Venkatesh Yemul LawRato