NJ rental security deposit return

[Nick Ganon]

Anyone with more experience with this offer any suggestions about how to proceed with return of security deposit? I moved out on time. Always paid rent on time and nothing left. The place was in very good condition. Yet The landlord has not returned my security deposit within the 30 days required by NJ state law. I have not received a certified letter or any notice of deductions or issues other than one text a day after I moved out about a couple of minor things which I was ok with actually but still I haven't heard anything since then. I asked for an itemized letter for any deductions but never got one or a response. I know by law I am within the right to file a complaint against the landlord in Small Claims Court in order to get the deposit back plus up to double as the law is written but not sure if I should. Do you recommend I just contact the landlord to see what the delay is before proceeding to that level.