Security Deposit Disputes and Small Claims Court

The majority of landlord-tenant disputes that end up in small claims court are brought by tenants who assert that their landlord improperly withheld all or part of the  security deposit. Before going to court, the  tenant will most likely call the landlord or send a written letter demanding that the landlord refund more than he or she did or fix some other problem involving the deposit. In some states, this sort of demand letter must be made before the tenant can bring a small claims court. Here's an overview of issues involving security deposit disputes in small claims court, including how to prepare for court and state small claims court limits.