We moved to a house 1 month back, we pay deposit and rent. As soon as we pay next month rent the owner asked to vacate the property. We asked for refund and he agreed. Once we vacated the property owner refuse to return money stating room is dirty. We asked deduct cleaning charges and refund the amount amount but he is not doing that also.
Respostas de Advogados
Equity Law House
Jan 24, 2026
Jan 24, 2026
In the state of Durango, your landlord’s refusal to return your money is legally unjustified. Based on the law, here is a summary of your situation and the steps you can take:
- Prepaid Rent: Since you paid for a month you did not inhabit because the owner requested you vacate, the landlord cannot keep that money; doing so constitutes 'unjust enrichment' (enriquecimiento ilegítimo).
- Security Deposit: This money is a guarantee for damages and must be returned if the property is in good condition. Dirtiness usually falls under 'normal wear and tear' and does not justify withholding the entire amount, especially if you have already offered to cover reasonable cleaning costs.
- Legal Protections: In Durango, if there is no written contract, the law holds the landlord responsible for this lack of formality and generally protects the tenant's rights to restitution.
Recommended Actions:
- Written Demand: Write a formal demand (via WhatsApp or letter) documented with photos of the clean property to establish evidence.
- Oral Trial: If mediation fails, you can initiate a Small Claims Oral Trial (Juicio Oral de Cuantía Menor) to recover your money plus legal expenses.
- Prepaid Rent: Since you paid for a month you did not inhabit because the owner requested you vacate, the landlord cannot keep that money; doing so constitutes 'unjust enrichment' (enriquecimiento ilegítimo).
- Security Deposit: This money is a guarantee for damages and must be returned if the property is in good condition. Dirtiness usually falls under 'normal wear and tear' and does not justify withholding the entire amount, especially if you have already offered to cover reasonable cleaning costs.
- Legal Protections: In Durango, if there is no written contract, the law holds the landlord responsible for this lack of formality and generally protects the tenant's rights to restitution.
Recommended Actions:
- Written Demand: Write a formal demand (via WhatsApp or letter) documented with photos of the clean property to establish evidence.
- Oral Trial: If mediation fails, you can initiate a Small Claims Oral Trial (Juicio Oral de Cuantía Menor) to recover your money plus legal expenses.
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