Pennsylvania Security Deposit

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Here we go again....are there any landlords out there who actually follow the rules?!? I think I'm a pretty good tenant and yet I'm always getting screwed.

Moved out on 12/13/09, lease ended 12/31/09.

I get my deposit back today 2/11/09, short of $55 with no explanation enclosed.

I call my landlord thinking maybe it was just an oversight. He says that he had to have the carpet cleaned and some small things. I tell him that he can't just deduct it without any notice.

The way it looks to me, I can sue him for twice the amount of the security deposit.

I'm not sure the best way to proceed. I'm thinking maybe I should just send a letter requesting the $55 or I will sue for double.

Or maybe I'll go straight to the attorney general
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/complaints.aspx?id=451
it worked for me before.

Advice?

PA LAW - http://www.rentlaw.com/dep/padeposit.htm

After taking out damages and unpaid rent, a landlord or property owner must send its tenants the list of damages and/or the full or partial security deposit no later than 30 days after the lease ends or when the landlord accepts the tenant's keys to vacate the premises early, whichever occurs first. The law requires landlords to pay twice the amount of the security deposit if they fail to provide consumers with the list of damages along with any refund due.

RETURN OF DEPOSIT: Within 30 days after a tenant moves out, the landlord must give the tenant a written list of any damages.