Submitted by Irhsjakdjj t3_zh0paz in washingtondc
Hey DC folks, bottom line: it has been way over the 45 days (after the end of tenancy) required limit to either:
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return security deposit plus any interest due. Or…
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tell the tenant in writing of the intention to withhold the deposit. (14 DCMR 309.1.)
I received 0 communication with them during this 45 day window. I have emailed and called them multiple times without any resolution and I have sent them a formal security deposit return demand letter by postal mail and email. What do I do?
As some supplementary background, I have also tried to reach out to the office of tenant advocate here in DC and unfortunately they haven’t picked up their phones or call me back despite the message I left… Also, confusingly on their website, it says that they have visiting hours but they say that they’re not doing walk-ins due to COVID-19 pandemic… This is messed up and needs to be fixed but I digress… Based on what they are as an organization, I believe that they should be able to answer most of my questions but seeing that I can’t reach them by phone or otherwise I’m kind of left in limbo… my next steps are probably just to go into the office, tenant advocate, and see if they will take a walk in although their website has conflicting information… Or to also just consult with a lawyer to see if this is an open and closed case.
Has anyone dealt with this themselves? Can anyone provide me any additional information? This is my first time dealing with this type of situation I would greatly appreciate any help. Thank you!
Playful-Translator49 t1_izjj2v0 wrote
Take them to small Claims court