[originaltext]M: Hello.W: Hello, Frank. This is Susan. I’m sorry to phone you

M: Hello.
W: Hello, Frank. This is Susan. I’m sorry to phone you at this hour, but I’m experiencing a sticky issue that I can’t think of anyone to get advice beside you.
M: What’s up?
W: Well, I moved to my present apartment couple months ago and now I plan to return to my parents’ place next month. Today, I gave notice to my landlord but he said he’s unable to give my deposit back since I have to stay a minimum of six months.
M: Are you giving him a-month-in-advance notice to move?
W: Yes, that’s exactly what I did today. In the tenancy agreement that’s the timeframe requested to notify the landlord.
M: Yes, that’s the usual practice.
Well, in the tenancy agreement, did it state that there’s a minimum of six months stay or the deposit would be forfeited?
W: Not that I could remember. Besides, I have never heard of such clause in the contract.
M: Well, perhaps you should pull your contract out and have a word with the landlord.
W: Yes, that’s exactly what I’m thinking of. But he said he spent time and money on advertisements to get tenant and it wouldn’t be fair on him if I just stayed for two months.
M: Well, that’s not the point, Susan, the fact is he shouldn’t force a tenant to stay. Besides, if the contract does not state the time frame, then he shouldn’t impose it on himself.
W: You are right, Frank. You just confirmed my reasoning.
M: Look, Susan, I’ll go with you to see the landlord tomorrow and if he still insists on forfeiting your deposit, we’ll go to the small claims court to get your money back.
W: Thanks, Frank.
Questions 1 to 4 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
1. Why is Susan worried?
2. What does the landlord plan to do?
3. When should the notice be given to the landlord in regular practice?
4. What are Susan and Frank planning to do as a last resort?