Need a good cheap lawer in NJ to get security back from Landlord

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Need a good cheap lawer in NJ to get security back from Landlord

Raj G.
Investor · Jersey City, NJ · Member since 2015 · 304 posts · 48 votes

Hi, I just moved out with proper notice after living on a residential property for around 6 years.

Landlord returned me after 1 month and one week a check of $320 out of $2650 of security.

He gave a list of expenses like paint, cleaning of carpet, door repairs etc.

I want to go for court to fight against it and need a good but cheap lawyer in NJ.

Concern property is in Bayonne, but lawyer/attorney can be from anywhere in NJ .

I guess rules are same everywhere within state like Bayonne, Hoboken, Union, Jersey city, newark etc.

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Jessica Zolotorofe
Attorney · NJ · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 794 votes
9y
Always makes me laugh to see people who want a "good, cheap attorney". You get what you pay for! If you're in the real estate business, you should know that this is no different than wanting a big house in great condition, best neighborhood, great schools, with great long-term tenants and a huge property, but has to be cheap. If you found something that actually met that criteria, you would probably wonder why it was cheap, right?
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  • Jorge Borges
    Investor · Port St Lucie, FL · Member since 2015 · 37 posts · 14 votes
    9y

    Why not just go yourself? Do you have pictures? I have yet to find a good lawyer for these things and much less a cheap one. The judges tend to be lenient on repainting and carpet cleaning, but much less so on huge holes and ripped or burnt carpets, etc.

    0Reply
  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    9y

    A lawyer is going to run you $350-$500 an hour. Id do the math and figure out if it is worth spending $3,000 to collect $2,000.

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    1Reply
  • Marian Smith
    Real Estate Investor · Williamson County, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 961 votes
    9y
    There should be a NJ tenant rights handbook online sonewhere that will go over what remedies you have...without having to hire a lawyer.
    0Reply
  • Gennadiy Matusevich
    Oakland, NJ · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 2 votes
    9y

    Raj - this may be a good resource for you

    http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/codes/offices/landlord_tenant_information.html

    0Reply
  • Tyler Brown
    New York City, NY · Member since 2015 · 125 posts · 48 votes
    9y

    Just do it yourself.  Having a lawyer for a straightforward small claims court like this is going overboard.

    If you lived there for six years, then repainting and carpet cleaning are normal wear and tear items that cannot be deducted from the security deposit.

    If a door needed repairing, however, that may be a legitimate deduction.

    2Reply
  • Anthony Perna
    Insurance Agent · Hoboken, NJ · Member since 2016 · 13 posts · 1 vote
    9y

    Hi Raj,

    I have a connection to an attorney who specializes in landlord / tenant relations in Hudson County. Please message me if you would like their information. He can gladly talk you through your options.

    -Anthony Perna

    1Reply
  • Jessica Zolotorofe
    Attorney · NJ · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 794 votes
    9y
    Always makes me laugh to see people who want a "good, cheap attorney". You get what you pay for! If you're in the real estate business, you should know that this is no different than wanting a big house in great condition, best neighborhood, great schools, with great long-term tenants and a huge property, but has to be cheap. If you found something that actually met that criteria, you would probably wonder why it was cheap, right?
    4Reply
  • Patrick M.
    Rental Property Investor · Red Bank, NJ · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y

    I would also recommend you do it yourself. You have a very straight forward position and as a landlord I would like to think that a Judge will rule out charging you for painting, carpet cleaning or other wear and tear items. Also, remember, if the landlord holds the property in an LLC, as many do, he should not represent himself in court in NJ, he is supposed to have an attorney. You should raise this immediately before the court- He may look to cut his losses rather than hire an attorney.

    2Reply
  • Raj G.
    OP
    Investor · Jersey City, NJ · Member since 2015 · 304 posts · 48 votes
    9y

    Hi @Patrick M. Thanks for your reply.

    0Reply
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