Opinion ID: 1692972
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: return of security deposit

Text: The Hilliards' assigned as error to the Court of Appeals the county court's ruling that Robertson was entitled to a return of the $250 security deposit. They argue that because Robertson failed to make any demand for the return of the deposit, she is not entitled to a refund. The Court of Appeals found that the county court was clearly wrong in awarding the return of the security deposit. We disagree. Neb.Rev.Stat. § 76-1416(2) (Reissue 1996) states: Upon termination of the tenancy property or money held by the landlord as prepaid rent and security may be applied to the payment of rent and the amount of damages which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with the rental agreement or section 76-1421. The balance, if any, and a written itemization shall be delivered or mailed to the tenant within fourteen days after demand and designation of the location where payment may be made or mailed. Pursuant to this statute, it is the tenant's demand for return of the deposit which triggers the landlord's obligation to refund the deposit or provide the tenant with a written itemization of damages. See, also, Mason v. Schumacher, 231 Neb. 929, 439 N.W.2d 61 (1989) (holding that tenant was not entitled to recover security deposit absent evidence establishing that landlords failed to comply with tenant's request of return of deposit). The Hilliards argue that pursuant to § 76-1416(2), Robertson was required to make a demand within 14 days of the termination of the tenancy. Because this was not done, the Hilliards argue they are not obligated to return the deposit. This argument is without merit. Statutory language is to be given its plain and ordinary meaning. In addition, this court will, if possible, try to avoid a construction which would lead to absurd, unconscionable, or unjust results. Southeast Rur. Vol. Fire Dept. v. Neb. Dept. of Rev., 251 Neb. 852, 560 N.W.2d 436 (1997); Boss v. Fillmore Cty. Sch. Dist. No. 19, 251 Neb. 669, 559 N.W.2d 448 (1997); Kuhlmann v. City of Omaha, 251 Neb. 176, 556 N.W.2d 15 (1996); Nichols v. Busse, 243 Neb. 811, 503 N.W.2d 173 (1993). Based on a reading of the plain language of the statute, we determine that the 14-day limitation language refers to the time allowed the landlord to return the deposit, not the time in which a demand must be made by the vacating tenant. In the present case, demand for the return of the deposit was made when Robertson filed her counterclaim seeking return of the security deposit. Pursuant to § 76-1416(2), that demand then triggered the Hilliards' obligation to refund the security deposit. Having determined that a demand was made by Robertson, we find that the county court was not clearly wrong in ordering the Hilliards to return the security deposit. In her counterclaim, Robertson also asks that she be awarded attorney fees because of the failure of the Hilliards to return the security deposit. Section 76-1416(3) provides that if the landlord fails to comply with subsection (2), the tenant may recover reasonable attorney fees.