Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

I subleased a furnished room in an apartment from someone else that was subletting. We both signed a general document saying I was subletting the room and that I would way rent + a refundable $500 furniture deposit.
I have been asked to move by the official person on the lease, because I brought it to her attention that she was drastically overcharging for a flexed out apartment (She pays $300 on a $3500 lease), after I lived there for a year and the girl who owns the furniture has now refused to return my furniture deposit claiming she's considering it extra rent for using the furniture even though I left it in perfect condition as I found it (cleaner actually).
Do I have the right to demand the return? Because it was a somewhat off the books sublet on a sublet do I have any rights to that money?
Any help would be amazing! Thanks

Asked on 12/01/14, 12:56 pm

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Yes. It's a security deposit. You did not break the lease: you were forced to leave. Small Claims court is your best solution.

Answered on 12/02/14, 2:43 pm

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