Hi everyone,
I stayed in a shared apartment and when I moved in, I paid a deposit which was just the similar amount with the rent.
There was no official contract document, the landlord just wrote me like "I received 800CHF rent for November and 800CHF deposit from (My name)."
I originally planned to stay there for 3 months, but as there was a problem , I explained the landlord my situation and told him that I'll move out next month.
Then the landlord said, "when you want to move out, unless you tell me at least one month before, I can't give you back the deposit."
And he goes like, "but if you find someone who can replace you for the following month, then no problem, I give you back."
I said yes and found someone who will move in on the day after I leave, so I let him know.
And, as I move out in several days and will not be able to see him again before leaving,
I asked him to return the deposit before I leave-which is tomorrow.
However, he said he can return it only after the new tenant pay the rent and deposit.
But what I'm thinking is that :
0. As I'm moving out before 3 months as I planned before, though it's because of a serious problem, I understand that I need to find someone immediately for him.
1. But what he asked me to do for the deposit is, finding someone who can replace me. And I fullfilled that condition. As I did what he asked, I have a right to have my deposit back before I leave.
2. And, my deposit and the new person's payment should be dealt seperately. (the person and I are not his bank.. I don't want to get my deposit from the person's account, I want my deposit which should be in the landlord's account.)
3. So, he should return the deposit back regarless of the new person's preceding payment.. (The new person is arriving after my leaving, which means if I should do as the landlord said, there is no way to get the deposit back..)
Also, I don't think he lodged the deposit with a bank in my name.. I think that's not right either.
And he once said that, even though the rent of one room 1200CHF, we (my roommate and me) shouldn't tell the police this, and he wanted us to just say that "As he is generous to students, we are just paying 300CHF something like that and helping to clean or sth."
I also thought this is kind of weird, although I had no idea why he said that.
As my 'money' is with him, I couldn't say 'You should return it now' like this.. feel like there is nothing I can do.
Is there any chance that I can have my deposit back from him before I leave??
Is he right? Should I really have to wait until the new person pays everything??
I need any advice please.. Thanks.