Landlord not paying the security deposit (Jersey City: apartment, to rent, house)

[Sensaba]

Hi,

I rented out a 2 bed room apartment in heights Jersey City. The landlord gave me an agreement which stated the rent only whereas after occupying the house, I came to know that the gas is being shared with the basement apartment.

This was never told by the landlord when I was occupying the apartment or even after a month. After seeing a huge PSE&G bill, I asked the landlord is there anything wrong with the amount of the bill which I am getting and there was no response.

Once I told them that I am about to ask PSE&G to inspect the possible cause, they came back saying the gas is being shared between the 1st floor and basement.

I think the basement apartment is not as per laws in US (correct me if I am wrong).

After which they agreed to say that they will share the equal amounts of the gas bill which happened.

But when I asked them to return the balance amount ($120) as part of security deposit they kept on saying that there is no balance as it got adjusted with the PSE&G gas charges which they shared.

I would like to know, is there a way to bring this to the notice of the local authority? If yes, then I would like to know their email address or phone number.

Also, is it illegal to occupy the car parking converted to one bed room apartment in Jersey City, New Jersey? If yes, do let me know how I can bring this to the notice of local authority?


thanks,
Sen

[vindication15]

If the residence is not a two family home, it is certainly illegal to rent out both floors to two different families. What makes a house a two-family home? Separate water and utility meters.