[originaltext]M: Hello.W: Hello, John. This is Florence Richardson. I’m sorry

M: Hello.
W: Hello, John. This is Florence Richardson. I’m sorry to phone you at this hour, but I’m experiencing a sticky issue and I can’t think of anyone to get advice from besides you.
M: What’s up?
W: Well, I moved to my present apartment a couple of months ago and now I’m thinking to defer my studies and planning to return to my parents’ place next month. Today, I gave notice to my landlord but he said he’s unable to give my deposit back since I have to stay a minimum of six months.
M: Are you giving him a-month-in-advance notice to move?
W: Yes, that’s exactly what I did today.  In the tenancy agreement that’s the timeframe requested to notify the landlord.
M: Yes, that’s the usual practice. Well, in the tenancy agreement, did it state that there’s a minimum of six months stay or the deposit would be forfeited?
W: Not that I could remember. Besides, I have never heard of such a clause in the contract.
M: Well, I have never heard of it either. It could be the landlord is trying to intimidate you. Perhaps you should pull your contract out and have a word with him.
W: Yes, that’s exactly what I’m thinking of. But he said he spent time and money on advertisement to get a tenant and it wouldn’t be fair on him if I just stayed for two months.
M: Well, that’s not the Point, Florence. It doesn’t matter how much he spent on advertisement, but the fact is he shouldn’t force a tenant to stay if he or she doesn’t want to. Besides, if the contract does not state the timeframe, then he shouldn’t impose it himself.
W: You are right, John. You just confirmed my reasoning.
M:  Look, Florence, I’ll go with you to see the landlord tomorrow and if he still insists on not giving your deposit back, we’ll go to the small claims court to get your money back.
W: Thanks, John. I really appreciate that.