Section 17-158. Department to retain moneys until twelve days after notice

The department shall retain money so paid until  twelve  days  after  it
  shall  be  made  to  appear  to  it  or  some proper officer thereof, by
  satisfactory affidavit, that the party or parties, or his, her or  their
  agent  for the collection of any such rent or compensation, who, but for
  the provisions hereof would have been entitled to receive the same,  has
  had written notice of such payment being made; and if at the end of such
  twelve days such party or parties, so notified, have not instituted suit
  to  recover  such money, then it shall, by the department be paid to the
  commissioner of finance.