Unofficial Sublet: Security Deposit Worries and Possible Bed Bugs

[nominom]

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: New Jersey

Hello, I am subletting for a month in NJ. I'm an unofficial sublettor and I paid the tenant directly with certified checks (therefore I do have a printed record of the security deposit and rent.) I live in a multi-story apartment building. I have a few questions.

1) First off, I do have emails between us stating the amount of the lease and the lease term and security deposit. Would that count as a written agreement or does it need to be signed?

2) I'm worried about getting my security deposit back if she refuses to pay it back. I definitely will be leaving the apartment in better condition that when I moved in. Do i have legal recourse if she doesn't give it back? Does accepting my rent and security deposit create a landlord/tenant relationship?

The previous questions are mainly to have my bases covered. The most important question...
3) I've been bitten a few times in the week since I moved in. I'm concerned it might be bed bug bites. I know NJ law says the landlord should pay for the initial extermination. However, I know sometimes bed bugs need a follow-up cleaning and that also I would have other expenses in getting my clothing cleaned/mattress cover etc. Would the tenant I lease from be responsible for paying this?

4) If I choose to move out before the end of my 1-month lease b/c of the bug bites (whatever it is, I'm allergic), can I get back the rent I paid as well as the security deposit?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

[Mr. Knowitall]

1. If your emails are sufficient to document your mutual understanding and the sublease is for less than a year, they should suffice in court.

2. Your recourse is to make a claim in small claims court. You are a tenant.

3. If you have bedbugs, seek remediation. If not... then you don't have a problem.

4. If you break your lease, you should expect that any unpaid rent you owe will be charged against your security deposit.