(CO)- Landlord's GF secretly recorded me, HE got arrested for witness intimidation, now won’t return my deposit. I'm overwhelmed and need advice!

I’m 22F I could really use advice from other renters who may have dealt with something similar.

Earlier this year, my boyfriend (20M) and I moved into a basement unit in Colorado that was being subleased to us. The original tenant moved upstairs with his girlfriend and became our landlord. Everything seemed fine at first. The house was old with very thin walls, but we were friendly. We even watched their dog once.

One night, he knocked on our door and asked to speak to me alone. He started implying my boyfriend was abusing me because they could “hear our conversations.” I was confused and explained I had been injured at work and sometimes had loud conversations with doctors and insurance companies.

That’s when he admitted his girlfriend had been secretly recording my private conversations through the vents for weeks and sending them to him.

I felt completely violated. I couldn’t sleep. I felt sick knowing someone was recording me in my own home.

I filed a police report. Officers told me laws were broken but said it “wasn’t malicious.” They suggested I get a Protection Order because the girlfriend still had the recordings. I did, and it was approved.

When I emailed the landlord asking to terminate the lease because of the active Protection Order (we shared the house and laundry), he sent me a threatening email demanding I drop the restraining order within 48 hours or “bad things would happen.” We called police again. He was arrested for Intimidation of a Witness.

We moved out properly:

• Gave 30-day written notice citing Colorado tenant law
• Paid prorated rent
• Left the unit fully cleaned
• Scheduled a move-out inspection

It has now been over 60 days and I have not received my security deposit or an itemized list of deductions. I sent a 7-day demand letter via certified mail. It was signed for. No response.

This whole situation has seriously affected my mental health. I’ve had anxiety attacks, night terrors, and even moved out of state because I felt unsafe. I feel like I did everything right and I’m still dealing with the fallout.

For those who have taken landlords to small claims:

• Is it worth it emotionally?
• Did you hire a lawyer or represent yourself?
• How hard was it to actually collect the money?
• Is there anything I should be doing right now to protect myself further?

I’m young and this is my first major rental situation. I’m trying to be strong, but I feel drained. Any advice or similar experiences would really help.

JUST re-wrote it, a few told me it was too long. Sorry!