Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

What can I do if my sublessor is not willing to return my security deposit and I DO NOT HAVE HIS CURRENT ADDRESS?

I spent a couple of months in Boston as a visiting scholar and rented subletted a small apartment.

My sublessor is not willing to return my security deposit of $400. He did not not specify any reasons. By is own words, he cannot return the deposit because he spent it on something else.

After waiting two months, I lost patience and I sent him a DEMAND LETTER However, the address he provided on the sublet agreement appears to be invalid. I have sent the letter via registered mail, but it did not arrive. I also tried to call him a couple of times, but he always says the he will transfer the money on the next day, which does not happen.

I still have this following things:

- Rental agreement

- Keys to the place

- Address of the original landlord

- Valid cellphone number

- Name (his real name, I checked with the original landlord)

- Friends who visited me at the place and could act as whitnesses

- Transfer voucher of the security deposit (from my account to his account, both Bank of America)

What can I do in this case? To which institution can I turn to?

Kind Regards


Asked on 2/02/11, 3:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Sue him in small claims court.

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Answered on 2/08/11, 3:39 pm
Stephanie Burnham Burnham & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC

A lawsuit will be necessary. An attorney may be able to assist you in locating this person.

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Answered on 2/09/11, 11:11 am


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