Tenant recovers Rs 35,000 security deposit from landlord using ChatGPT, but some netizens question the method

In an age where artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of everyday life, a tenant recently used ChatGPT, an AI language model, to recover a security deposit from a landlord who had been unresponsive. This unusual approach has sparked conversations online about the role AI could play in resolving small legal disputes, especially when traditional legal help is hard to access.

How AI Helped in a Small Legal Dispute

The tenant shared on Reddit that after moving out, the landlord went silent and ignored repeated requests to refund the deposit of Rs 35,000. Since lawyers were unwilling to take on a case of such a small value, the tenant decided to use GPT-4 to generate a formal complaint letter. The AI asked for specific details like the tenant’s and landlord’s names, property address, amount due, duration of stay, rent details, and previous attempts to contact the landlord.

Based on this information, GPT-4 crafted a well-structured letter citing relevant consumer laws and indicating potential legal action if the matter was not resolved. The tenant confirmed that the letter prompted the landlord to finally respond and pay the deposit within a few days.

Mixed Reactions from the Online Community

While many praised the innovative use of AI in resolving consumer disputes, others expressed skepticism. Some commented that simply sending a strongly worded letter is unlikely to be a guaranteed solution, drawing comparisons to diplomatic efforts that also rely on formal notices without always yielding results.

Another user cautioned against relying blindly on AI-generated content, noting that ChatGPT sometimes “hallucinates” or produces inaccurate information, including fabricated legal references. The tenant acknowledged this risk and mentioned cross-checking the consumer laws independently before sending the letter.

Technical experts and legal enthusiasts weighed in, highlighting AI’s potential to assist with drafting documents by referencing past legal verdicts and templates. They suggested that AI could provide affordable legal support for minor disputes, especially where hiring a lawyer may not be feasible. However, some pointed out that full integration of AI in legal practice might face resistance due to existing legal industry norms and lobbying.

Potential for AI-Driven Legal Tools

The tenant also proposed an idea for a platform where users could post consumer complaints, lawyers could pick cases, and AI would help automate notices and documentation under lawyer supervision. This concept was met with interest from Reddit users who frequently encounter similar issues. Some pointed to existing tools attempting to fill this gap, while others speculated that such services could be game changers for everyday legal challenges.