How do I get my deposit back?

Questioner

I have terminated the lease as of 1 November. Within the house in which I now live (consisting of 5 studios) I have occupied a total of 2 studios. I have paid a deposit for this twice, once €407 and after my internal move an additional €67. Since then the house has been sold twice. The current landlord (number three in line) has indicated to me that he can only find the amount of €67 in his administration. The €407 is apparently still with the first or second landlord. The first landlord says she has settled it with the second landlord. The second landlord is trying to figure out where the money has gone. I have my doubts that the amount of €407,- will be “found”. I am inclined to deduct the total deposit amount from my last rent payment, in order to get the deposit back that way, but my contract literally states that this is not allowed. Whose responsibility is it to investigate this matter? What is the best thing for me to do?

Lawyer

Sale does not break a lease or the obligations and rights that go with it, such as the right to a refund of the deposit. The landlord must give it back to you if you can prove that you have paid a deposit twice. Then he will recover it from the first landlord if he thinks that is not correct.