Q: I have a contract between me and a guy I had attempted to rent from stating he'll pay me back $900 by September first
The $900 is the total amount of rent and my security deposit as I discovered there were bedbugs, asked him if he had bed bugs, he said he didn't, I had someone from pest control confirm it was a bed bug, and had him sign a contract stating he would pay me back my first month's rent, along with my security deposit
A: Hi, is your question how you should recover the $900? Assuming there are no eviction issues, your former landlord breached his promise to return the $900 to you. You have the promise in writing. This case seems ideal for small claims court. Downstate may charge slightly differently but small claims court is informal and cost-effective. The filing fee in upstate is $15 for this level of damages and the judges will guide you through the courtroom. If you need help, court staff tend to be helpful as well. Of course, you may always seek independent legal counsel to address the specifics of your case. A local litigator will walk you through the lawsuit process. Best of luck in collecting this debt and I am sorry to hear about the bed bugs.
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