Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

I signed a contract with a real estate firm that claims to place persons in apartments for their client landlords (their name is Renegade Rentals). I gave them a $50 fee for credit check and $600 deposit for the apartment. I lost an employment opportunity and had to withdraw my application for the apartment since I would be unable to pay the rent. They claim that because I changed my mind their contract stipulated that they can keep my security deposit in full. Is it legal for them to have you sign a contract to that effect? Can they legally keep my security deposit because the contract stated that if I change my mind they can keep the deposit?


Asked on 2/08/10, 2:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Arnold Nager Arnold H. Nager, Esquire

Why not go to Small Claims Court and sue them for a refund of your deposit. You may be successful.

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Answered on 2/13/10, 2:17 pm


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