Resolve everyday legal disputes without the stress.
TinyGavel helps you take action when something goes wrong. Our AI-powered, attorney-backed tools help you use the legal system to get what you're owed.
Resolve everyday
legal disputes without the stress.
TinyGavel helps you take action when something goes wrong. Our AI-powered, attorney-backed tools help you use the legal system to get what you're owed.
Resolve everyday legal disputes without the stress.
TinyGavel helps you take action when something goes wrong. Our AI-powered, attorney-backed tools help you use the legal system to get what you're owed.
Ways we can help
Why TinyGavel?
TinyGavel exists to help people resolve everyday legal problems without confusion, intimidation, or unnecessary cost.
Built for real-world disputes
Clear next steps, not legal jargon
Designed to save time, stress, and guesswork
Focused on practical outcomes, not paperwork for its own sake
Who have we helped?
$10,000
Illegal Eviction Settlement
"I was illegally locked out and felt powerless. Fight My Landlord fought my case, filed the right complaints, and secured a $10,000 settlement for the distress and expenses.They were professional, fast, and actually got results."
Tenant
Self-Help Eviction
$10,000
Illegal Eviction Settlement
"I was illegally locked out and felt powerless. Fight My Landlord fought my case, filed the right complaints, and secured a $10,000 settlement for the distress and expenses.They were professional, fast, and actually got results."
Tenant
Self-Help Eviction
$10,000
Illegal Eviction Settlement
"I was illegally locked out and felt powerless. Fight My Landlord fought my case, filed the right complaints, and secured a $10,000 settlement for the distress and expenses.They were professional, fast, and actually got results."
Tenant
Self-Help Eviction
$2,400
Recovered Increase Compensation
"I was overcharged for months and the property manager refused to correct the ledger. Fight My Landlord took over, negotiated with the management company, and recovered my overpaid rent within three weeks."
Tenant
Overcharged
$2,400
Recovered Increase Compensation
"I was overcharged for months and the property manager refused to correct the ledger. Fight My Landlord took over, negotiated with the management company, and recovered my overpaid rent within three weeks."
Tenant
Overcharged
$2,400
Recovered Increase Compensation
"I was overcharged for months and the property manager refused to correct the ledger. Fight My Landlord took over, negotiated with the management company, and recovered my overpaid rent within three weeks."
Tenant
Overcharged
$6,000
Deposit recovered
"I didn't think l'd ever see my security deposit again. My landlord kept dodging messages for months. Fight My Landlord stepped in, handled everything, and within two weeks the money was back in my account. Super easy, zero stress."
Tenant
Security Deposit Withheld
$6,000
Deposit recovered
"I didn't think l'd ever see my security deposit again. My landlord kept dodging messages for months. Fight My Landlord stepped in, handled everything, and within two weeks the money was back in my account. Super easy, zero stress."
Tenant
Security Deposit Withheld
$6,000
Deposit recovered
"I didn't think l'd ever see my security deposit again. My landlord kept dodging messages for months. Fight My Landlord stepped in, handled everything, and within two weeks the money was back in my account. Super easy, zero stress."
Tenant
Security Deposit Withheld
Learn more from The Badger
Everything you
need to know
What is a security deposit, and who does it belong to?
A security deposit is money a renter gives a landlord as proof of intent and may be used to pay for damages caused by the renter. The landlord holds it temporarily and can only keep it for specific reasons like unpaid rent, costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear, excessive cleaning fees (to return the unit to its move-in condition), unpaid utilities, or costs associated with you breaking the lease early. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What is a security deposit, and who does it belong to?
A security deposit is money a renter gives a landlord as proof of intent and may be used to pay for damages caused by the renter. The landlord holds it temporarily and can only keep it for specific reasons like unpaid rent, costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear, excessive cleaning fees (to return the unit to its move-in condition), unpaid utilities, or costs associated with you breaking the lease early. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What is a security deposit, and who does it belong to?
A security deposit is money a renter gives a landlord as proof of intent and may be used to pay for damages caused by the renter. The landlord holds it temporarily and can only keep it for specific reasons like unpaid rent, costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear, excessive cleaning fees (to return the unit to its move-in condition), unpaid utilities, or costs associated with you breaking the lease early. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
When am I entitled to get my security deposit back?
You're entitled to your deposit once you move out, return the keys, and leave the unit in the same condition as when you moved in, aside from normal wear and tear. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
When am I entitled to get my security deposit back?
You're entitled to your deposit once you move out, return the keys, and leave the unit in the same condition as when you moved in, aside from normal wear and tear. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
When am I entitled to get my security deposit back?
You're entitled to your deposit once you move out, return the keys, and leave the unit in the same condition as when you moved in, aside from normal wear and tear. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
Deadlines vary by state. For example, if you live in New York City, your landlord must return your security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions within 14 days of you moving out. In Salt Lake City, your landlord must return your security deposit or provide a written itemized list of deductions within 30 days of you moving out. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
Deadlines vary by state. For example, if you live in New York City, your landlord must return your security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions within 14 days of you moving out. In Salt Lake City, your landlord must return your security deposit or provide a written itemized list of deductions within 30 days of you moving out. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit?
Deadlines vary by state. For example, if you live in New York City, your landlord must return your security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions within 14 days of you moving out. In Salt Lake City, your landlord must return your security deposit or provide a written itemized list of deductions within 30 days of you moving out. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What reasons can't a landlord legally keep part (or all) of my security deposit?
Your landlord usually can't keep your security deposit for things like basic cleaning, normal upkeep, minor wear and tear (like carpet that's a bit worn or paint that's faded), damage that was already there before you moved in, or for making improvements to the property. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What reasons can't a landlord legally keep part (or all) of my security deposit?
Your landlord usually can't keep your security deposit for things like basic cleaning, normal upkeep, minor wear and tear (like carpet that's a bit worn or paint that's faded), damage that was already there before you moved in, or for making improvements to the property. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What reasons can't a landlord legally keep part (or all) of my security deposit?
Your landlord usually can't keep your security deposit for things like basic cleaning, normal upkeep, minor wear and tear (like carpet that's a bit worn or paint that's faded), damage that was already there before you moved in, or for making improvements to the property. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What counts as normal wear and tear vs damage?
Normal wear and tear includes things like faded paint or worn carpet. Damage is caused by negligence or misuse, like large holes in walls or broken fixtures. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What counts as normal wear and tear vs damage?
Normal wear and tear includes things like faded paint or worn carpet. Damage is caused by negligence or misuse, like large holes in walls or broken fixtures. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What counts as normal wear and tear vs damage?
Normal wear and tear includes things like faded paint or worn carpet. Damage is caused by negligence or misuse, like large holes in walls or broken fixtures. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How does TinyGavel help me get my security deposit back?
Our process starts with an intake and a thorough lease review to determine the likelihood of recovering your security deposit. Following this, we draft a demand letter specifically designed to comply with state law, which is attorney-backed in certain states. The final step is small claims court, where we can handle the filing, official service of legal papers to your landlord, and preparation for your court appearance. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How does TinyGavel help me get my security deposit back?
Our process starts with an intake and a thorough lease review to determine the likelihood of recovering your security deposit. Following this, we draft a demand letter specifically designed to comply with state law, which is attorney-backed in certain states. The final step is small claims court, where we can handle the filing, official service of legal papers to your landlord, and preparation for your court appearance. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How does TinyGavel help me get my security deposit back?
Our process starts with an intake and a thorough lease review to determine the likelihood of recovering your security deposit. Following this, we draft a demand letter specifically designed to comply with state law, which is attorney-backed in certain states. The final step is small claims court, where we can handle the filing, official service of legal papers to your landlord, and preparation for your court appearance. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What can I do to maximize my chances of recovering my deposit?
Keep the unit in good condition, take thorough videos when you move in and out, and don't agree to pay fees not included in your lease. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What can I do to maximize my chances of recovering my deposit?
Keep the unit in good condition, take thorough videos when you move in and out, and don't agree to pay fees not included in your lease. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What can I do to maximize my chances of recovering my deposit?
Keep the unit in good condition, take thorough videos when you move in and out, and don't agree to pay fees not included in your lease. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What should I do if my landlord wants to talk directly to me?
Keep everything in writing! You don't have to talk to your landlord if you're uncomfortable, the courts are always an option for communication. If they offer you a settlement, TinyGavel can help you figure out if it's fair. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What should I do if my landlord wants to talk directly to me?
Keep everything in writing! You don't have to talk to your landlord if you're uncomfortable, the courts are always an option for communication. If they offer you a settlement, TinyGavel can help you figure out if it's fair. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What should I do if my landlord wants to talk directly to me?
Keep everything in writing! You don't have to talk to your landlord if you're uncomfortable, the courts are always an option for communication. If they offer you a settlement, TinyGavel can help you figure out if it's fair. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What is a demand letter?
A demand letter is a formal written request that explains what you're owed, why, and what happens if the landlord doesn't comply. It gives the landlord notice that you are disputing your deposit, an opportunity to settle, and it's required in many states before you file a lawsuit. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What is a demand letter?
A demand letter is a formal written request that explains what you're owed, why, and what happens if the landlord doesn't comply. It gives the landlord notice that you are disputing your deposit, an opportunity to settle, and it's required in many states before you file a lawsuit. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What is a demand letter?
A demand letter is a formal written request that explains what you're owed, why, and what happens if the landlord doesn't comply. It gives the landlord notice that you are disputing your deposit, an opportunity to settle, and it's required in many states before you file a lawsuit. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
Why does a demand letter work?
It signals that you know your rights and are ready to enforce them. Many landlords pay once they realize the risk of legal consequences. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
Why does a demand letter work?
It signals that you know your rights and are ready to enforce them. Many landlords pay once they realize the risk of legal consequences. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
Why does a demand letter work?
It signals that you know your rights and are ready to enforce them. Many landlords pay once they realize the risk of legal consequences. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What happens if my landlord ignores my demand letter?
Your case may move forward to filing a lawsuit in small claims court. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What happens if my landlord ignores my demand letter?
Your case may move forward to filing a lawsuit in small claims court. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What happens if my landlord ignores my demand letter?
Your case may move forward to filing a lawsuit in small claims court. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
When does it make sense to sue my landlord?
When your landlord wrongfully keeps your deposit, ignores legal deadlines, or refuses to return it after being formally notified. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
When does it make sense to sue my landlord?
When your landlord wrongfully keeps your deposit, ignores legal deadlines, or refuses to return it after being formally notified. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
When does it make sense to sue my landlord?
When your landlord wrongfully keeps your deposit, ignores legal deadlines, or refuses to return it after being formally notified. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What risks should I be aware of before suing?
Your landlord could file a countersuit if you damaged the unit, owe back rent, etc. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What risks should I be aware of before suing?
Your landlord could file a countersuit if you damaged the unit, owe back rent, etc. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What risks should I be aware of before suing?
Your landlord could file a countersuit if you damaged the unit, owe back rent, etc. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
Will I have to show up in court?
Often yes, though many cases settle before a hearing. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
Will I have to show up in court?
Often yes, though many cases settle before a hearing. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
Will I have to show up in court?
Often yes, though many cases settle before a hearing. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What can I expect in court?
When you go to court, bring all your evidence. That includes your lease, photos, videos, receipts, and copies of written communication with your landlord. At the hearing, explain why you're entitled to your security deposit, including when you gave notice and the condition you left the unit in. Be prepared to reference your lease and any additional evidence you brought. The judge may decide your case right away or send a decision later via mail. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What can I expect in court?
When you go to court, bring all your evidence. That includes your lease, photos, videos, receipts, and copies of written communication with your landlord. At the hearing, explain why you're entitled to your security deposit, including when you gave notice and the condition you left the unit in. Be prepared to reference your lease and any additional evidence you brought. The judge may decide your case right away or send a decision later via mail. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What can I expect in court?
When you go to court, bring all your evidence. That includes your lease, photos, videos, receipts, and copies of written communication with your landlord. At the hearing, explain why you're entitled to your security deposit, including when you gave notice and the condition you left the unit in. Be prepared to reference your lease and any additional evidence you brought. The judge may decide your case right away or send a decision later via mail. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How much does TinyGavel cost?
TinyGavel offers 2 tiers of service. There's a small fee of $5 if you prefer to self-serve or there's a fee of $30 if you'd like an attorney to handle your case for you. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How much does TinyGavel cost?
TinyGavel offers 2 tiers of service. There's a small fee of $5 if you prefer to self-serve or there's a fee of $30 if you'd like an attorney to handle your case for you. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How much does TinyGavel cost?
TinyGavel offers 2 tiers of service. There's a small fee of $5 if you prefer to self-serve or there's a fee of $30 if you'd like an attorney to handle your case for you. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How much money can I recover?
In many cases, you can recover your full deposit and in some states you may even be entitled to additional penalties if your landlord broke the law. For example, tenants in Utah may recover their deposit plus a $100 statutory penalty. New York allows tenants to recover their full deposit, and if the landlord willfully violates return requirements (i.e. failing to return the deposit or give an itemized statement within 14 days), you may be entitled to up to twice the amount of the deposit in statutory damages. Some states also allow recovery of court costs or attorney's fees which means you may be entitled to more than just the deposit itself. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How much money can I recover?
In many cases, you can recover your full deposit and in some states you may even be entitled to additional penalties if your landlord broke the law. For example, tenants in Utah may recover their deposit plus a $100 statutory penalty. New York allows tenants to recover their full deposit, and if the landlord willfully violates return requirements (i.e. failing to return the deposit or give an itemized statement within 14 days), you may be entitled to up to twice the amount of the deposit in statutory damages. Some states also allow recovery of court costs or attorney's fees which means you may be entitled to more than just the deposit itself. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How much money can I recover?
In many cases, you can recover your full deposit and in some states you may even be entitled to additional penalties if your landlord broke the law. For example, tenants in Utah may recover their deposit plus a $100 statutory penalty. New York allows tenants to recover their full deposit, and if the landlord willfully violates return requirements (i.e. failing to return the deposit or give an itemized statement within 14 days), you may be entitled to up to twice the amount of the deposit in statutory damages. Some states also allow recovery of court costs or attorney's fees which means you may be entitled to more than just the deposit itself. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How do I check the status of my case?
You can track your case's progress through the user portal. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How do I check the status of my case?
You can track your case's progress through the user portal. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
How do I check the status of my case?
You can track your case's progress through the user portal. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What should I do if I have additional questions?
You can text our team at (540) 619-5067 or submit a request via Help Scout. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What should I do if I have additional questions?
You can text our team at (540) 619-5067 or submit a request via Help Scout. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.
What should I do if I have additional questions?
You can text our team at (540) 619-5067 or submit a request via Help Scout. This is legal information not individualized legal advice.