First, Thanks in Advance. Here is the scenerio: (in New York state)
We both were on the apartment lease for one year. In the beginning he paid me half of the security deposit ($335). Then I paid the total security deposit of $670 to the landlord. The Lease expired in August and I moved out. He stayed, however, and signed a new lease for the same apartment. He lives there alone now without another roomate.
I asked him to return my half of the security deposit. He told me he wanted a few spots on the ceiling fixed. I said no problem but then I realized I couldn't make it back to fix them. So I told him that he should have maintenance fix them and bill me for the repairs.
To date he has not done this. It has been nearly 6 months and he continues to refuse to give me my security deposit back. I am wondering where the law stands on this. Do I have a case in bringing him to small claims court, or can I circumvent that by trying to get my security deposit back from the landlord?
Thanks for your help! Its greatly appreciated!!

