MI landlord won't contact us after we left

[mackgrrl]

We moved out in mid July, after notifying landlord we were moving out a month earlier. He told us to call him when we knew what day exactly we were leaving so he could do a walk thru. He did not show up. He has not sent us our security deposit or any notification as to why he didn't. He has our new address, and also called my parents business. We have called and left messages twice with no return calls. I thought in MI that landlords had to either refund your security or send you a written notice as to why they kept it within 30 days. Am I wrong? I plan on writing a letter and sending it certified mail but need to know if I can, or if I have no recourse. Thank you.

[elklaw]

Are you sure the landlord has the new address? You think he does, but do you know for sure? It may be wise to send it to him certified mail and say you expect a response within 30 days, or you may file for the deposit return in small claims court. Consult a local attorney to see if there are any better rways to handle things.

[sabokitty]

Look up the Landlord-Tenant Act at www.legislature.mi.gov

Details steps landlords and tenants must take in regard to security deposits. If you didn't owe rent and notified the landlord of your new address then you can sue him in small claims court for twice the amount the landlord is withholding.

Good luck. It is your money!