Security Deposit Month to Month Lease w/ 1 Year Stipulation?

[GTibb]

Jurisdiction

Washington

I have a month to month lease agreement but the contract stipulates the landlord can keep my security deposit if I move out before 12 months. I moved out in 2 months, now they are trying to charge me for the deposit and more for some cleaning. The move out report has the deposit money listed as "rent paid in advance." Are they allowed to keep my deposit and charge me more in this case?

 

[mightymoose]

If you agreed to the contact forfeiting the security deposit they may be justified in keeping that, but unless it was not enough to cover costs after you moved out I would not expect them to be demanding more.

If you disagree you can always bring a small claims action and have them explain their thinking to a judge. If you do not dispute their keeping the deposit you can simply refuse to pay additional costs and let them initiate small claims to convince a judge you should pay it. You don't have to pay a penny more until the court orders you do so.