1. Real Estate Attorney Staten Island New York Case Background
The client consulted Real Estate Attorney Staten Island after encountering an unfair security deposit dispute at the end of a residential lease.
From the initial review, Real Estate Attorney Staten Island identified that the landlord’s deductions appeared excessive and unsupported under New York law.
Security Deposit As a Common Rental Requirement
Whether renting a mountain retreat, a short term rental, or a residential apartment, tenants are typically required to provide a security deposit.
The purpose of a security deposit under New York law is to cover unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Real Estate Attorney Staten Island emphasized that deposits are not intended to serve as an additional profit source for landlords.
When landlords misuse security deposits, tenants have enforceable legal rights, as Real Estate Attorney Staten Island explained to the client.
2. Real Estate Attorney Staten Island New York Lease Termination and Dispute
At the conclusion of the lease, the client made a timely decision to vacate the property.
Real Estate Attorney Staten Island carefully reviewed the move out process to confirm that the tenant fully complied with contractual obligations.
Unfair Repair Charges and Partial Refund Offer
After vacating the property, the client received a security deposit statement from the landlord.
The statement included charges for alleged repair costs that the tenant believed were unreasonable and unrelated to actual damage.
The landlord informed the client that only $100 of the deposit would be returned.
Real Estate Attorney Staten Island recognized that such a deduction, without proper documentation, likely violated New York security deposit rules.
3. Real Estate Attorney Staten Island New York Landlord Refusal and Escalation
The client attempted to resolve the issue directly by objecting to the charges.
Real Estate Attorney Staten Island noted that the landlord refused to reconsider or provide supporting evidence.
Breakdown of Direct Communication
Despite multiple objections from the tenant, the landlord remained uncooperative.
No invoices, photographs, or inspection reports were provided to justify the repair charges.
The landlord insisted that the deductions were final and refused further discussion.
At this point, the client sought formal legal assistance from Real Estate Attorney Staten Island.
4. Real Estate Attorney Staten Island New York Legal Strategy and Resolution
Once retained, Real Estate Attorney Staten Island initiated negotiations with both the landlord and the landlord’s attorney.
The strategy focused on demonstrating that the deductions were legally unsustainable under New York law.
Negotiation with Landlord and Counsel
Real Estate Attorney Staten Island presented a clear legal position explaining the limits on security deposit deductions.
The argument emphasized that normal wear and tear cannot be charged to a tenant.
Real Estate Attorney Staten Island demanded return of the full deposit and warned of statutory consequences for noncompliance.
Within two weeks, the landlord agreed to return the security deposit in full, less only a small administrative fee.
5. Real Estate Attorney Staten Island New York Outcome and Client Relief
The matter concluded quickly without litigation due to effective advocacy by Real Estate Attorney Staten Island.
The outcome allowed the client to move forward without prolonged stress or financial uncertainty.
Prompt Refund and Satisfactory Resolution
The client received nearly the entire security deposit back within two weeks.
Only a minor fee was deducted, which the client found acceptable under the circumstances.
The resolution avoided court proceedings while fully protecting the tenant’s financial interests.
The client expressed strong appreciation for the decisive and efficient work of Real Estate Attorney Staten Island.
At SJKP, our attorneys regularly serve as Real Estate Attorney Staten Island for tenants facing unfair security deposit deductions.
We assist with lease review, deposit disputes, demand letters, and negotiations under New York real estate law.
If your landlord is withholding your security deposit without justification, contact SJKP to consult with a Real Estate Attorney Staten Island and protect your rights promptly.
23 Jan, 2026
