My landlord tried to keep my security deposit for a normal wear and tear issue

Moved out of my Logan Square apartment last month. Landlord claimed the scuffed hardwood floors were damage. Took photos on move-in day, thank god. Small claims court in Chicago is my next stop if he doesn't hand over the $1,200. Has anyone actually won one of these cases without a lawyer?

3 comments

3 Comments

henry_ross3d ago

@emma_garcia brings up a good point about writing things down. That paper trail is everything when you're fighting over scuffed floors in Logan Square. Take your photos and get it in writing next time, saves you the headache.

emma_garcia4d ago

You said you took move-in photos, but did you also document the condition in writing on the lease?

violag803d ago

Read an Illinois Tenants Union guide online that says Chicago judges are pretty used to landlords pulling this. They see the same "scuffed floors are damage" claim all the time. You need to show you made a written request for the deposit back first, that's a legal step before you can sue. Small claims court is actually set up for people without lawyers, the forms are all online and the filing fee is around $100. Your move-in photos plus any emails about the floors being scuffed when you moved in should be enough if you keep it simple.