Beckett v. Olson

Plaintiff appeals the trial court’s award of statutory damages for the failure of defendants, his former landlords and their agent, to return his security deposit within the statutorily required time. He asserts that the damages awarded are too low and that the court erred in failing to award attorney fees. We agree with the first assertion and therefore reverse and remand.

Plaintiff paid a $150 security deposit when he rented an apartment from defendants. On June 1, 1983, he gave 30 days notice that he was moving; he moved out on July 1, 1983. He asked for the return of his security deposit…