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Hey guys, i have rented a basement in Jersey City. I paid a months security($800) and now im planning to leave next month. I just dont think my landlord is in mood to return my security. There was no lease and i think he rented the appt illegally coz ive heard that ur not allowed to rent basements in NJ. Moreover since he insists on paying the rent in cash i have a feeling its illegal renting. Is there nething if he just gulps down my security.
I did do some research on the web and found out that if a landlord illegally rents appt then to evict the tenant he needs to pay 6times the rent. Although i dont want 6 times money i just want my security. I just want to know if he doesnt return my money where can i complain and wat can i do??... Any response would be appreciated. Thanks.
Prady, NJ laws favor the tennant over the landlord. It would take him 6 months to evict you at least, sometimes more. And, if he's renting to you illegally, you may be due extra compensation. Especially if your housing didn't have all it should have to get a CO (certificate of occupancy) which is mandatory in NJ when renting a place out.
Here's a link to file a complaint:
The Official Web Site for The State of New Jersey | Housing (http://www.state.nj.us/nj/consumer/housing/index.html - broken link)
Cut the appropriate info from here. (your rights)
make it part of his letter, Give him 1 month notice, you just cant leave. He has more to lose then you. Treat him the way you would want to be treated.
Renting should work for everyone.
Please give me a break, I hate this extra compensation crap. If you rented and it was sweet or a good deal, just get your money and move on.
Hey guys it is not easy being a landlord even for the 1-2 unit guys.
There are good and bad tenants and landlords.
BTW evictions can be done quickly. Why should it take 6 month. Do some people deserve more then others?
Next time get a lease it protects you and the landlord.
Mike, you're right. An eviction can take just a few weeks. I've done many. Renters should act appropriately to maintain their rights. You'll get your security if you're entitled to it. You can file in small claim's court and you'll get double back if the landlord withheld your security for invalid reasons.
but why would he insist on cash if its not illegal....
if he didn't request a credit-check on you (or, if you weren't able to provide one), then he'd want cash to protect himself.
The mistake both of you made was not having a lease (or, if the rent was month-to-month, then you should've had a "rental agreement").
and, I agree with Mike -- if you were paying, let's say, $100 per month below the usual for the area, and were there 8 months, then you wouldn't be "losing" your security. you also don't mention whether or not you left the apt. in the same condition it was in when you got there, repairs would come out of your security.
brookdaleresident -- I don't know about an eviction taking as little as a few weeks... I guess it depends on the town. If it's a town with a backlog in court, or if the tenant had children in tow, an eviction can take as much as 9 months
Children have nothing to do with it, at least not in essex county. I worked for a landlord for many years and evicted many people. After one month's rent wasn't paid, I was able to file. By the next month, the tenant was evicted. If a tenant gets an order to show cause, it can take longer. Non-payment of rent = eviction.
That may be an IRS question. People who receive tips don't account 100%
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