Hello,
I have kind of a sticky situation and am having trouble finding out what specifically is right or wrong.
I have been told be HRA in DC that "After a tenancy is terminated, the landlord has fortyfive (45) days to return the deposit or notify the tenant in writing of his or her intention to withhold and apply the monies towards the cost of expenses incurred under the terms and conditions of the security deposit clause of the lease agreement."
It is now going on day 60.
Now, this landlord is going to give us problems. When we wanted to check out she asked us to just send the keys "certified" mail, which we did but it came back to us after 30 Days! We also had a letter in that package informing her of our new address to where she could send the deposit.
After a phone conversation, she wants to charge us for normal wear and tear on walls (small marks, maybe 3 nail holes total as we repaired and had a cleaning crew clean it). As well the washing machine was filled with water, we informed her weeks prior, and she said that a "sock" was rapped around the motor so we were going to be charged for that. As well she said she had to change the locks, etc, even though we sent as requested.
I have been told that the issues above are all disputable, but my question is really what is the truth about what we can do to her for not returning it or informing us in writing within 45 days? HRA and said I could sue her in small claims for 3 times the deposit, is this correct?
As well, is it worth going to court based on the information I provided? PLEASE, SOMEONE HELP! I cannot find ANYTHING online and it is really frustrating. Especially considering this is all happening while a divorce is going on!
I thank you in advance!

