Landlord Is Keeping My Whole Deposit Of $7200

It’s been a month since we vacated a rental townhouse. I reminded the landlord a week back as he hasn’t yet returned my deposit of $7200.

The house was professionally deep cleaned and during the move out walkthrough, the realtor in charge of the property told me not much needs to be done except painting. We have lived there for three years and I assume it is regular wear and tear.

The landlord replied last week to my text message that he is not returning anything as the toilets dont work, there are holes in the walls and the biggest one- the garage door is “broken” which alone is costing him $5500! I have proof that the garage door was working perfectly fine. the toilets were flushed by the realtor and there were some small nails we used maybe a couple of them. He is clearly dishonest and trying to make a profit.

I asked him to send itemized list of repairs, clear invoices and proof that the garage door was not working. I also asked for timestamps. He sent me a few photos of wall areas with command strip taken off and a garage door that had an indentation. I never hit the door. Also I drove by today about 31 days after move out and the garage door is still the old one and he has patched it up with some metal casings.

He hasn’t sent me anything else and no certified mail. I am considering using the justice system and also using my tenant rights as it’s been over 30 days without any invoice from him. He has been silent. Any advice is much appreciated as it is a huge amount. Thanks

Location: New Jersey