Don’t leave your security deposits behind

This column is intended to provide general information only and is not meant to be offered or… This column is intended to provide general information only and is not meant to be offered or accepted as legal advice under any circumstances. Only an attorney who is familiar with all of the facts of your particular situation can give you legal advice.

At the end of the semester, many of us will aspire to move out of our low-rent shacks in Oakland and on to the greener pastures of Shadyside. And when you finally decide its time to move on up, you might want to leave behind your beer-soaked couch, but you will not want to leave behind your security deposit.

This can be a tricky situation since landlords have a curious habit of not giving back money once they get it into their cold, dead hands.

But remember, the money from your security deposit is yours. And you deserve it back.

The first thing you must do is ask for it back. You should send your landlord a written request, preferably by certified mail.

The letter only needs to request the return of your security deposit and to provide a new address where the check can be mailed.

Once you have officially asked for your security deposit back, the burden is on your landlord to act.

Under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act (68 P.S.