Submitted by ct on Thu, 01/15/2009 - 11:46
Posted in
I broke my lease but found a replacement for my landlord who they approved and they moved in the same day i moved out. My landlord charged me a full months rent as a 're-renting fee.' my landlord did not use a realitor and the apartment was never empty. instead of paying the fee they kept my deposit.
i can't find any info about 're-renting fees' can someone tell me about the laws regaurding those kind of charges? From what I read it seems if nothing cost the landlord money they cannot legally charge me.
Editor's Response
Look at your lease and make sure this fee was not specified as a liquidated damage. However,if you feel the landlord kept your security deposit unlawfully, it might make sense for you to take him to housing court and demand the return of the deposit and even triple damages. (See articles in our Quick Information Library). In this situation, often a well-written demand letter, in which you spell out your intention to sue and seek treble damages, will cause the landlord to release the funds. Good luck.