why was there no inspection? why is the landlord keeping the deposit? how long did you live there? what does your lease say about returning the deposit?

You need to double check your Rental Agreement AND also find out the specific laws for the area you live in..the State/City. In CA, a Landlord has 22 days in which to either return the full deposit, OR supply receipts and explanation as to why and what amount of the deposit is being kept. Look for a Landlord/Tenant Hotline for your area. They are usually FREE...and up to date with current laws for their given area. I would be amazed if what you say your Landlord did, is legal in your state. And FYI...in the future...TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT YOURSELF BEFORE YOU SIGN AN AGREEMENT...if the Landlord is physically available, yet will NOT meet with you to do a walk in...heed that big red warning flag...and look elsewhere! Since I am out of state to my rental property, I CAN'T be there to walk though...so in my Rental Agreement I specifically state that the incoming Tenant is responsible for taking photos and notes and PROVIDING THEM TO ME...if there is any damage. They have 15 days to do this, and I ask them if there is any reason that I can not return the full deposit to the outgoing Tenants. This is not ideal, in my opinion, and I HAVE been out there to look over the property and house within the past 18 months, but it's where I'm at and what I can do at this time. I've mostly been blessed with understanding and great tenants!

He can, but you can sue him. Read the lease agreement that you had with him, it should have a section on Deposits. Also depending on where you live there are specific renters rights.

Of course. Is it legal? You'll have to check your state's landlord/tenant laws. The responsibility for a move-in inspection and an inspection upon moving out lays with both the landlord and the tenant. Why would a person hand over money as a deposit without ensuring a means for its return? There's a good chance that the lease contains a paragraph that states the tenant is receiving the home in good working order. That protects the landlord. Call your local courthouse or landlord/tenant agency and find out what the laws are for your state. If you feel you have been wronged, you can file a small claims suit against the landlord.