Hello and thank you for allowing me to address your legal question.
Generally speaking, it doesn’t matter that you didn’t have a written lease – you would be considered tenants-at-will, which basically means that either party may terminate the tenancy with proper notice (usually 30 days). Therefore, your landlord is required to comply with your states laws regarding the security deposit. Most states require the landlord to return any deposit within 30-60 days and if any amount of the deposit is withheld, then the landlord must send written notice itemizing the damage, etc.
It also does not matter that you did not pay rent with a check. While having a canceled check would be useful to prove that you were a paying tenant, you can prove your tenancy in other ways (e.g. testimony, bank statements, utility bills, etc.) if this issue actually culminates into a lawsuit.
If the information that I provided was helpful, please remember to ACCEPT my post as that is the only way I will receive credit and compensation for my answer. However, please understand that my answer is meant for informational purposes only and is limited by the facts presented. Therefore, it should not be construed as “legal advice” and is not an adequate substitute for the retention of legal counsel. Thank you and good luck!
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DISCLAIMER: My post is intended as general information only, and should neither be construed as specific legal advice, nor as an adequate substitute for the retention of legal counsel.
