Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

I just dealt with a dishonest and manipulative broker, what do i do now??

My friend and I began to search for an apartment to rent in NJ. We went through a broker, and quickly located an apartment in a two-family house that we loved. We interviewed with the owners and then proceeded with credit checks and lease signings. From the very beggining we made it clear to the broker that there would be a third roomate moving in with us, and we wanted to make sure the owners knew that. We were told on numerous occasions, in front of witnesses, that the owners were fully aware of the third roomate and not to worry. When we went to sign the lease, the broker had not added on a stipulation about the third party. However, we insisted that it be in the lease agreement and she reluctantly put it in. We came to find out that the owners were never aware of this third party and when they went to sign the lease, they backed out immediately. They only wanted two people and they were upset with the dishonesty from our broker. My question is what can i do? Both the owners and us are very upset with the brokers intentional dishonesty to both parties and feel that this broker should be held responsible. She also had cashed our brokers fee check before the owners signed the lease. Please help!!!


Asked on 5/03/00, 11:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: I just dealt with a dishonest and manipulative broker, what do i do now??

There are several ways to proceed:

1. Contact the broker's manager and register the complaint.

2. Write to the following real estate officials:

NJ Department of Bqanking & Insurance

Real Estate Commission

20 West State Street

P. O. Box 328

Trenton, NJ 08625-0328

Also to:

North Central Real Estate Association

910 Mt. Kimble Avenue

Morristown, NJ 07960, with a copy to:

North Central Real Estate Commission

748 Morris Turnpike

Short Hills, NJ 07078

If the commission has not been returned, you may have to file a Small Claims suit against the broker. In Wayne, if they are located in Passaic County, it would be the Courft in Paterson.

I suggest you get a statement from the owner to confirm the improper activity - perhaps a joint letter or separate letters to the various commissions -

If you need assistance - you can call me at (973)-377-3313

Walter

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Answered on 6/21/00, 9:32 am


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