After FOX6 shares renter's story, management company provides full security deposit: "I feel wonderful"



MILWAUKEE -- When renters move out of an apartment with the place in good shape, they expect to receive their full security deposit amount back. Of course, damage to the apartment can cut into the security deposit. But what if the damage is from another unit? That was the case for a Milwaukee woman. FOX6 News shared her story earlier this month, and now, we've learned there's been a resolution in this case.

Laverne Hicks security deposit



"My security deposit was $745. They only sent me $244.50," Laverne Hicks said back on December 10th.

Hicks on December 10th showed FOX6 News photos her property management company was using to claim Hicks had damage in the unit she had vacated. The problem? Those photos featured a completely different unit -- not Hicks' unit.

Now, we have learned Hicks has received her full security deposit -- just in time for Christmas.

Hicks on Wednesday, December 23rd said she's thrilled to have her $550.

Laverne Hicks



"I feel great. I feel wonderful," Hicks said.

But she only has her money after a whole lot of hassle.

"I shouldn't have had to go through that to get my money back," Hicks said.

Hicks says more than $500 of her security deposit was withheld by Berrada Properties Management after management officials claimed Hicks' unit in the apartment building located near 91st and Appleton was damaged.

"These pictures here -- this is not my apartment," Hicks said.

PHOTO GALLERY:



Hicks tried unsuccessfully for weeks to get the remaining security deposit money she was owed.

After FOX6 News shared her story...

"He came and brought me a check -- $550," Hicks said.

Shawanna Campbell, the housing department manager at the Milwaukee-based Community Advocates says what happened to Hicks is common.

"Very common, typical story.  There are some less-than-honest people in the world. Some of them are landlords, and some of them are tenants," Campbell said.

FOX6 News reached out to the Berrada representative who gave Hicks the remaining money, but we did not receive a response.

"It's enough a lot of times for landlords to kind of correct their behavior and help future tenants going forward," Campbell said.

That's what Hicks hopes to do.

"I just want to let everybody know -- know your rights," Hicks said.

If you're a tenant and you're involved in a dispute similar to Hicks' -- Community Advocates officials want you to know they're here for you.

CLICK HERE for Community Advocates contact information.