Our new landlord wont sign existing damages paperwork with us but still wants our deposit! Advice?

We moved in 3 weeks ago, and he gave us a week to return the paperwork concerning anything wrong with the house. We found many things wrong, but he has not signed the paperwork, or come over to do a walk-through. The deposit is $1600, which we are paying in 4 monthly payments. Should we give him the deposit? I am worried he will blame us for existing damages and try to keep our money. We already signed the lease and moved in, so leaving is not an option.Our new landlord wont sign existing damages paperwork with us but still wants our deposit! Advice?
Take pictures immediately with date stamps on them. Make two sets. Send one set to him with a certified letter saying that, since he refuses to do a move-in walk thru with you, this is a detailed list of the damages and informing him that you will not be responsible for these damages.





Make sure you keep a copy of the letter and the set of pictures. If the landlord tries to keep your deposit later you'll have excellent evidence when you sue him.Our new landlord wont sign existing damages paperwork with us but still wants our deposit! Advice?
Lucky you to have a landlord that takes security deposit in payments spread out over 4 months. The walk through should have been done when you moved in. Call and talk to him and see if he'll set up an appointment to do a walk through. I'd go ahead and tell him he isn't getting any more of the deposit until this is done. This might motivate him. Do continue paying monthly rent on time.
Take pictures before you live there long. Tell him you aren't paying the deposit until he signs the paperwork. That a heavy duty deposit for a place that should have been renter ready. and wasn't.
In addition to the two very good answers above, check your state landlord/tenant laws to see if they address your issue.
I would take pictures at this point to document what there is. And I would let him know that he needs to sign it before you can complete the deposit portion of your lease. If necessary you can call the city to see what your rights are in this matter.
Take pictures and don't give him the deposit until he signs the paperwork.