Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

Return of security deposit after early termination of lease

In Nov 2004, after breaking up with my fiance, I entered into a lease for an apt. In Feb 2005, a few months later, my fiance and I had gotten back together. I wrote the landlord briefly explaining my situation and requesting early termination of my lease.I offered to continue paying rent until a replacement was found. In June, 4 months later, I discovered through the utility companies that the apt had finally been re-rented. I wrote the landlord to confirm this and request my security deposit. The landlord wrote me back saying that I signed a 1 year lease thru Nov 2005 and although a replacement tenant has been found it has yet to be proven if the replacement tenant will pay rent through the end of my lease and I am still responsible if they did not. The later was ended that he would keep me advised.It is now Feb 2006, over 2 months since the lease ''officially'' ended with that landlord and they have not contacted me. Am I legally entitled to refund of my deposit? The landlord is an attorney. Confused how to proceed.

Though I bought some furniture which was put in the apt I had never moved in since i was waiting for our home to sell. I only took the apt early since it was the only rental I could find that allowed dogs.


Asked on 2/05/06, 2:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: Return of security deposit after early termination of lease

Your former landlord is a very, very hard-nosed attorney. You may be entitled to sue for double your deposit plus attorneys fees. I would need more information to be sure of that.

Please call my office (click on the link below my name for my information, I am not allowed to give it here) to set up an appointment.

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Answered on 2/05/06, 5:39 pm


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