Landlord Didn't Prove Cost of Repairs

LVT Number: 16564

Former tenant sued landlord in small claims court for refund of tenant's $1,500 security deposit. The court ruled for tenant in part and awarded him $650. Landlord appealed, claiming that he was entitled to keep the entire security deposit because tenant left the apartment in a damaged condition and he had to make repairs. The appeals court ruled against landlord. Landlord didn't prove the cost of the claimed repairs.

Former tenant sued landlord in small claims court for refund of tenant's $1,500 security deposit. The court ruled for tenant in part and awarded him $650. Landlord appealed, claiming that he was entitled to keep the entire security deposit because tenant left the apartment in a damaged condition and he had to make repairs. The appeals court ruled against landlord. Landlord didn't prove the cost of the claimed repairs.

Espaillat v. Veltri: NYLJ, 4/30/03, p. 23, col. 2 (App. T. 2 Dept.; Doyle, PJ, Winick, Skelos, JJ)