Paid application fee, landlord didn't even check credit (real estate market, apartment)

[anemoneya]

I recently applied to co-op sponsored unit and an apartment. Since I had a guarantor, I paid 300 (150x2) for that co-op and 200 (100x2) for the apartment. Apartment management refunded both deposit and application fee because they took someone else didn't even check my credit. However, I didn't get refund from co-op. I checked all 3 CRA for recent hard inquiry, but there was none. I realize that credit check fee is just part of application fee, but after reading this The Do’s and Don’ts of Rental Application Fees article, I believe I should at least try to dispute this. What do you think? Does anyone have experience dealing with landlord on this matter?

[AnsaWilliams]

You should definitely dispute it. But make sure to read the application first. The application usually states if it is refundable. If the application doesn’t state where it is refundable or not, call and talk to them and write a letter. be very polite. If that doesn’t work call and get stern and threaten to report them to the city department of housing preservation and development. They may not want the headache.

[anemoneya]

I'll have to check that with my broker if he still has the copy of the application. However, even if it says non-refundable application fee, if they didn't do background check, I think it could be called fraud.

[AnsaWilliams]

Not necessarily true. The application fee isn’t just for the background check. it can be used to pay board members or added to the board budget. That is one of the problems with Co-op boards. They do some really unethical things and there is no real oversight/challengers. For examples they will say it cost them $40 to make copies of your application to give to each board member. Its all a sham!

[silverbullnyc]

Originally Posted by anemoneya

but after reading this The Do’s and Don’ts of Rental Application Fees article,

NYC real estate market is a total different beast than the rest of the country, try not to follow blogs/advice from websites that arent specifically talking about NYC.