Gave Rent – No Receipt – Never Moved In – Landlord Kept Money

By Chris

My son, his girlfriend answered a Craigslist ad for a shared apartment (which actually ended up being the basement – sharing kitchen and bath).  The gave the landlord a $100 deposit to keep the rental for them and then two weeks prior to moving in, gave her another $750 ($500 rent/$250 security deposit).  She allowed them to come over and install carpet and paint the basement, but never gave them a key and they had to leave each night.

When they asked for receipts, she always gave them an excuse and they never did get a key.  Because of the fishy way she was acting, they decided they did not want to move in.  She said that was ok and said she would return their money.  They showed up two different times and she made excuses.  They called the police who told them there was nothing they could do becuse its a civil matter.  The woman will not give them their $750 back.  Is small claims the only option?  I did "friend" this woman on Facebook and copied all her Friends and will be quite happy to send them all a little letter explaining what she has done.  Maybe that might be the first route.  I will not defame her, only state the facts.

Does anyone have any other suggetions?  I am in Seattle and they are in Northern Michigan.  Meanwhile, they and their 2 year old are able to stay with friends, but they now have $750 less to find a new place and that is like a lmillion dollars to them as they are struggling to keep it together.

Thank you in advacne for your help!

Chris in Seattle

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