Landlord Didn't Produce Itemized Estimates of Damage Repairs

Former tenant sued landlord in small claims court, seeking return of his security deposit. Landlord claimed that tenant’s dog damaged apartment moulding and that tenant altered an electrical outlet without permission. The court ruled for tenant and directed landlord to refund the full deposit. Landlord unreasonably refused to participate in a walk-through of the apartment with tenant when tenant moved out and failed to produce itemized estimates of costs to repair damage she claimed was caused by tenant. Also, cleanliness issues raised by landlord were nothing more than normal wear and tear.

Hamilton v. Bosko: 41 N.Y.S.3d 690, 2016 NY Slip Op 26397 (City Ct. Cohoes; 12/1/16; Marcelle, J)