Security Deposit Returned to Low-Income Client
Four years ago, Patricia moved into a subsidized housing unit in Evanston. She paid a $257 security deposit after signing her lease. When Patricia moved out earlier this year, she told us she left the apartment in good condition, but her landlord refused to return her security deposit. Patricia tried on her own to work things out with the property manager, but no one took her seriously.
Patricia came to the CVLS Legal Prep Community Law Clinic and met with attorney Michael M. Philipp
of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Mike learned that Patricia is a senior who lives on a low, fixed income. He agreed to take Patricia’s case pro bono in order to get her security deposit back.
Mike reached out to the landlord on several occasions and learned that the landlord was holding onto Patricia’s security deposit because there was unpaid rent in the amount of $30 on Patricia’s account. After a brief negotiation, the landlord agreed to refund Patricia’s security deposit less the rent owed. Although a relatively small victory, Patricia was made whole at no cost to her through Mike’s intervention and effort.
