Four Years Later, a Hamtramck Renter Finally Reclaimed Her Security Deposit

A check for $1,863.76 now hangs on the refrigerator of Dana Kornberg in Hamtramck.

Kornberg left her rental unit in 2021. It took more than four years to recover that money from her former landlord, Julie Zielinski.

A private collector went to Zielinski’s house earlier this year to obtain the payment. The collector secured the check after a court judgment and a subpoena had failed to produce the funds.

Kornberg said the process was stressful because she felt like her money was being stolen. She described the situation as a complete abuse of power.

Zielinski did not respond to messages sent by voicemail and email to the outlet that first reported the story.

Security deposits are intended to cover unpaid bills or property damage beyond normal wear and tear. Landlords are required to return the deposit in full if no such damages exist.

Data showing the frequency of wrongful withholding in Detroit is not available. Tony Degard, interim director of Lakeshore Legal Aid’s Detroit Eviction Prevention team, said renters tell him about withheld deposits daily.

Degard stated that landlords often withhold deposits because they bet tenants will not pursue the matter. He called the recovery process a tall hill to climb.

A 2024 national survey by Zillow found that fewer than half of tenants received their full deposit back. About one quarter received none of it.

Michigan law requires tenants to complete a checklist and take pictures when they move in. They must provide a forwarding address within four days and dispute deductions within seven days.

Monica Mahecha rented an apartment near New Center for about a year and a half. She moved out at the end of June 2026.

Her landlord, Titus Property Group, deducted $200 from her deposit. The company cited an excessive number of holes that required plastering and painting beyond normal wear and tear. Mahecha said the landlord had permitted her to hang items on the wall. She caulked the holes before leaving. Mahecha decided not to pursue a small claims case because she did not have the time for a $200 dispute. She was not aware that winning tenants can be entitled to double their claims. Michael Martin, a property manager for Titus Property Group, said the deduction was reasonable in an email. He stated the cost to repaint the affected walls was $650.