The Rent Security Deposit Act requires among other things that the landlord deposit the money in a special bank account that pays interest. If the landlord does not place your security deposit in a special bank account that pays interest, the law allows you to request that the landlord use the security deposit to pay your rent. The landlord must follow your instructions and apply the security deposit to your rent. The landlord cannot ask you for another security deposit for as long as you live in that apartment.

To get the landlord to apply your security deposit to the rent you should:

1. Send to the landlord, a written notice in the form of a letter via certified mail return receipt requested.
2. Keep a copy of this letter for yourself.