*949After informal amendment, the plaintiffs’ complaint could be taken to allege: Upon becoming tenants in November, 1982, of a single-family dwelling in Feeding Hills owned by Shawn Ferguson, the plaintiffs deposited with Ferguson, as owner-lessor, the sum of $1,000 as a security deposit. In July, 1983, Ferguson was negotiating with the defendants for the sale of the house. The defendants refused to close the transaction until the house was clear of these tenants. Accordingly, the plaintiffs were evicted. Thereupon, on July 27, 1983, the sale was consummated and ownership passed to the defendants. This was within thirty days of the eviction. Ferguson, who now resided outside the Commonwealth, did not transfer the security deposit to the defendants. The defendants have failed to pay the amount of the security deposit or any part of it to the plaintiffs. Wherefore the plaintiffs demand judgment against the defendants (claiming treble damages, interest, costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees).