Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

Hello, my name is Dennis. I recently moved out of an apartment with a lease that ended and my landlord wrote me a check that bounced for the amount I was supposed to get back. When I told her about it she said she found damages over the week and a half I havent been there and shes now writing me a check for a 1/3 of what it orginally was. There were no damages to the apartment and I agreed to take out money from my deposit to have the carpet cleaned. But it wasnt for the amount she was taking out cause the place was tiny. Plus it might be an illegal apartment because theres not 2 exits, just a staircase and a door that leads out on the roof but no way down unless you consider jumping 15 feet straight down an exit. I dont want it to get out of hand but I wont be pushed around either. So whats my next move. Thanks.


Asked on 7/12/10, 9:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Mincis Jonathan J. Mincis, Esq. Law Offices

Is the money that you are suppose to get back your security deposit? legally, once your lease ends and the landlord tenant relationship ends, the landlord is obligated by statute to return it within thirty days or provide reasons in writing why they are refusing to return it or only returning a portion of it. The letter must be sent to the former tenant by certifed mail. How much was the check for. the fact that it bounced should give you legal ground to files a claim in Court to recover the balance. Did she attempt to return it within 30 days or has it presently been less than thirty days. there are number of issues that may be at play. I would need a little more information to give you a more detailed answer. Please feel free to contact me if you wish (201)-894-9498, all the best. J Mincis

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Answered on 7/13/10, 3:47 pm


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