Saturday, August 13, 2011

Any lawyers out there?? I need FREE legal help regarding small claims in Wisconsin. Please Help!!?

I am trying to get my security deposit back from my landlord. Here's the story: August 2009, I sign a month to month lease in just my name and the landlord is aware there is a roommate. Landlord collects $600 dollars from each of us, $1200 total, $600 for first months rent and $600 for security deposit. We move in August 1st. First week in October, it is discovered by my roommate that I am sleeping with his girlfriend. I actually told him but that is another story. My roommate and I agree we can no longer live together, that I would move out, and that he would take over the lease. Remember this is a month to month lease. When the landlord came around the property as he does every week or so, the three of us had a short meeting out on the sidewalk, explaining to him that I would be moving out immediately and that it was agreed that my roommate would take over the lease, and that my roommate would handle returning my security deposit to me. He didn't, of course. I move out approx Oct. 15. Nov. 1st I send a registered mail notice to landlord stating I have officially moved out, enclosed are keys, and please send me my share ($300) of security deposit. He signs for mail Nov. 3. He never sends me list of reason why sec. deposit is being withheld.I leave messages on his voicemail explaining that ex-roomie is not cooporating in regards to sec dep. No contact or return calls. Jan 1st. I file small claims suit against owner of building,(not the landlord) but the owner to demand sec. dep. Recieve letter from landlord dated Jan. 21 that "a few weeks ago" I came to him and told him I was moving out, that he recieved the messages that roomie was not cooperating, that he went and discussed situation with roomie and roomie said it was taking care of, therefore any disputes are between me and roomie, not me and owner or manager. Judgment for me is awarded Feb 1, becuase owner does not show up to summons hearing. Owner files to reopen judgment on Feb 19 because of "a mistake, inadvertence, and excusable neglegt, and that "her manager filed a 'timely' response and she did not know it would be disregarded" and "security deposit not yet due" Went to hearing today, Owner and Landlord present, and I am told I have to file an ammended summons for roomie to be present during hearing before we can proceed! Apparently roomie has stayed in apt. until Feb, then moved to Georgia, then moved back, payed no rent during this time, has been officially evicted by landlord, and is M.I.A. I was granted fee waivers because I am poor. How the hell am I supposed to find this guy's address so he can be served? Why the hell does this *** even need to be present? He has threatened my life. I did not trash the apt, he did. He's wrote a letter stating that that were are CURRENTLY roomies as of FEB, and that WE owe for JAN and FEB!! WTF!! Even if he gets served, he aint gonna show!! I'm told if I cannot verify current address, to use the last known address (which is the apt)! Why would I send the sherriff to an apt. to serve to someone I know for a fact does not reside there anymore!!! What are my options? How do I get this process moving again? I dont give a rat's *** about the roomie, I feel bad that owner and landlord are caught in middle of our feud, but I am entitled to get my share of the sec. deposit back cuz I didn't trash anything! What to do?

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