Previous Landlord did not transfer the security deposit.

[Rob Murden]

Hello, I just purchased a tri-plex here in Nashville TN, I just received a letter and a check for one of the deposits for one of the units from the previous landlord. The letter said they could not give me the second deposit because the tenant defaulted on their deposit to pay a month of rent so he would not be evicted and would come up with the money later. Is this legal? I feel this should not be my problem and the previous landlord needs to pay the deposit regardless. Or does the tenant need to pay a security deposit ASAP or ill be forced to evict him? Any advice would be great i really dont know what to do.

[Thomas S.]

The previous landlord is still responsible for transferring the tenants deposit regardless of whether it was used for rent. The previous landlord should have collected a new deposit from the tenant to pass along to you. Turn this over to your lawyer to resolve. You are owed the deposit.