Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 14 years ago, 05/05/2010

Account Closed
  • Real Estate Investor
  • new york, NY
6
Votes |
127
Posts

Need help with NYC security deposit issue~

Account Closed
  • Real Estate Investor
  • new york, NY
Posted

This past year I have rented out my 4 bedroom in Manhattan to some girls. I am not the owner, I am the master leaseholder and I sublet the place to them. The tenants were required to pay me 1st, last, and one month security deposit. One of the girls that most recently moved out is seeking her deposit back and I do not intend to give it to her for the following reasons:
1) she painted her room an ugly salmon color and was asked to repaint/restore the room back to its original condition (white). She failed to do so.
2) she was a pig and left the place an absolute disaster, especially in the kitchen, where she left old food in the fridge, in cabinets and trash boxes all over. I found mouse droppings under the stove and in her cabinets. It took me 2 entire days to clean up after her. I was literally on my hands and knees scrubbing.
3) I had asked the tenants to use the utilities conservatively. She constantly used the washer/dryer (3/4 loads a day, 3 days in a row sometimes) and I just got the ConEd bill which was adjusted for the past 6 months. I had been getting an estimated reading because the owner wasnt allowing the reader to get in to check the meter and I wasnt aware of this... I was just handed an adjusted bill that totaled $3,690 for the electricity usage during those 6 months which is absurd to say the least. I am not placing the full responsibility on her entirely (there were other tenants that used it) but she is certainly responsible for a good share of that.

So with all of the aforementioned info, am I in my right to use the deposit to pay for the "damage" done by this nightmare tenant?
Thanks

Loading replies...