Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

Hi,

So I moved into a basement apartment in a 3 bedroom house for a 6 month lease term. When I signed the lease I thought I was signing the official lease of the house, not a sublet. The house we lived in was older, had signs of use / damaged items prior to me moving in. We've now have been fully moved out for a month, but cannot receive our security deposit back due to the damages that were already there when we moved in so now I'm out $700.00 because of this. The landlord is saying he did a walk through prior to us re signing the lease. On top of that the original lease price was for $1800 / month. With 4 people that would be rent of $450 / month. I was being charged an additional $50 for nothing. I read it is illegal in the state of NJ to charge more rent then the original price. What steps can I do to take this forward?


Asked on 12/11/13, 6:18 am

2 Answer from Attorneys
Matthew Schutz Matthew R. Schutz, Esq.

There are several issues here. The LL is required to send you an itemized accounting of your security deposit within 30 days of you leaving. If he fails to do so, you are entitled to double damages and attorney's fees.

As to the overcharge issue that is also actionable. Depending on the total amount sought you may be able to go to small claims or the Special Civil Part

Read more
Answered on 1/17/14, 7:23 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in New Jersey