security deposit from landlord(Bayonne, Hudson)

[Raj G.]

Hi ,

Subject : NJ Small claim court on security deposit issue , landlord didn't return.

I was living in 1 unit of a 3 unit building.

all 3 units are occupied by tenants.

I lived there for around 6 years, after that I bought my own home near by in same city(Bayonne)

Before leaving I gave proper 30 days notice as mentioned in our agreement,

Landlord requested me to stay 15 more days I agree on that also, and paid all rent .

landlord's property manager came twice on property and did inspection and didn't complain on any thing.

We left the apartment in good condition other than wear and tear that caused by 6 years with 2 kids.

me and my wife worked really hard to clean every thing after we moved all our stuff.

once I left I didn't get any email or statement of damages for 30 days( we left on Dec 15th)

on 31st day(Jan 16th) I got email from landlord with lots of pictures like dirty carpet(some spots), graffiti on wall, some holes on door.

Carpet was generally clean, but there were some spots at one place that I couldn't clean, also graffiti on wall m made by my who grew up there from age of 6 months to 6 years.

these graffiti could be easily washed away or erased, but property manager told me , since there was no paint in last 6 years, so they would paint it so I didn't work on that.

door had hole because of stopper, it was striking with door, so it was quite natural as door were hollow from inside.

, so for 30 days no email from landlord, on 31st day he sent me lots of pictures mentioned different type of damages.

In the mean time other tenant told me that landlor has modified the apartment and added one more bed room, but dividing the living room.

after around 37 days landlord sent me a cheque of around $300 out of $2500 deposit.

This is my situation, please advise.