u/Groot_Is_Here

Hi everyone. I need some advice on recovering my security deposit from a landlord who has blocked my number and is making excuses to keep my money.

Location: HAL 3rd stage, Indiranagar

Here is the breakdown of the situation:

The Background:

• Deposit amount: ₹40,000.
• No Rental Agreement: I asked them multiple times to make one when I moved in. They told me to make it myself, but since it's not my property, I didn't know how, and ultimately, no document was ever signed.
• Proof of Payment: I have all the bank/UPI screenshots of the deposit and monthly rent payments.

The Move-Out:

• I gave them over 1 month's notice before vacating, and they agreed to return the money after I left.
• I moved out and left the key with a friend to clear out my remaining minor belongings.
• Unfortunately, my friend forgot to hand over the key. However, the owner had a master key. They brought in new tenants for viewings while I was still there, and moved a new tenant in immediately after I physically left.
• The owner never once called or messaged me asking for the key or discussing the deposit return.

The Complications & Excuses:

• Right after leaving, I had a streak of terrible luck: my father had a heart operation, I lost my job, and my phone broke. This caused a 2-month delay in me following up.
• When I finally contacted them for my money, they demanded the key. I had my friend return it within 48 hours.
• After getting the key, they stopped replying to my WhatsApp messages and ignored my calls.
• Eventually, they texted back saying they won't return the money because I "kept the key for 2 months" and "left stuff in the room."
• The truth: The only "stuff" I left was my bed, purely because the landlord explicitly told me the next tenant wanted to buy it for ₹3,000! And a gas cylinder (with gas filed) which they refused to return when my friend went to collect it

Now, I am completely blocked on WhatsApp, and my standard calls go unanswered.

My Questions: What steps can I take to recover my ₹40,000? Will consulting a lawyer actually work given there is no written rental agreement? I want to avoid going to the police unless it is absolutely necessary. Any advice on how to handle this legally and practically would be a lifesaver.

TLDR; Landlord doesn't want to return my security deposit of 40k. No rental agreement was made but I have payment & other proofs of my residence at that address. What are the options for me to get back my money?