Deposit Drama

Hello!

Basically, I moved out November 1st, 2022. My landlord mailed me my deposit check (1500 out of 2300) within 30 days (no proof of that however), however the check was deposited into a bank account with a signature that was not mine. The landlord refused to pay me my deposit until he was reimbursed. His bank, Citibank, said it would take three months for them to file the claim. I contacted the bank after three months and they said since the check was deposited into a Bank of America account, B of A would not start a three month claim of their own. The crazy thing is that two weeks ago, I found out the landlord died. I heard that his partner was contacting old tenants through the same number so I texted and explained my story and there was no response. I am going to file in small claims but I am wondering if I have any basis for getting the deposit owed, if not the total deposit plus damages? Thanks in advance for your help!