Do we have grounds to got to small claims court to get back part of security deposit?

[goaliegamer]

Landlord deducted 315.00 for painting fee. 100 for cleaning fee specifically mentioned (fridge, oven and cabinets). The lease states a cleaning fee will be charged if not left in condition it was received in. My family and I personally cleaned the house top to bottom. NJ law states if left broom clean then landlord cannot charge a cleaning fee beyond normal wear and tear. Landlord did not do inspection. Hired a cleaning lady and is going on her word that it was dirty.
Landlord asked me to turn 1 wall of paint back to original color. Landlord was planning to paint anyway I just told him to let his painters he was hiring do it. He failed to mention it would come out of our security deposit. That was not mentioned in the lease.NJ state law says landlords aren't allowed to charge for paint. On letter he waived 4 late payments spanning the course of 2yrs. contacted landlord offered us 115 (415-300) 50 for each late fee and 2 bad checksWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[E.Rodriguez]

Landlord deducted 315.00 for painting fee. 100 for cleaning fee specifically mentioned (fridge, oven and cabinets). The lease states a cleaning fee will be charged if not left in condition it was received in. My family and I personally cleaned the house top to bottom. NJ law states if left broom clean then landlord cannot charge a cleaning fee beyond normal wear and tear. Landlord did not do inspection. Hired a cleaning lady and is going on her word that it was dirty.
Landlord asked me to turn 1 wall of paint back to original color. Landlord was planning to paint anyway I just told him to let his painters he was hiring do it. He failed to mention it would come out of our security deposit. That was not mentioned in the lease.NJ state law says landlords aren't allowed to charge for paint. On letter he waived 4 late payments spanning the course of 2yrs. contacted landlord offered us 115 (415-300) 50 for each late fee and 2 bad checks What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Why would you hide where you live in the middle of your post? when the post clearly indicates we want to know your state.

 

[JETX]

Landlord deducted 315.00 for painting fee. 100 for cleaning fee specifically mentioned (fridge, oven and cabinets). The lease states a cleaning fee will be charged if not left in condition it was received in. My family and I personally cleaned the house top to bottom. NJ law states if left broom clean then landlord cannot charge a cleaning fee beyond normal wear and tear. Landlord did not do inspection. Hired a cleaning lady and is going on her word that it was dirty.
Landlord asked me to turn 1 wall of paint back to original color. Landlord was planning to paint anyway I just told him to let his painters he was hiring do it. He failed to mention it would come out of our security deposit. That was not mentioned in the lease.NJ state law says landlords aren't allowed to charge for paint. On letter he waived 4 late payments spanning the course of 2yrs. contacted landlord offered us 115 (415-300) 50 for each late fee and 2 bad checksWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

No one can guess whether the landlord was correct in not providing a FULL refund of your security deposit.... especially in only hearing your side of the story and without actually seeing any PROOF of either claim.
Your only recourse is to pursue your claim for improper deductions in your local small claims court where the court can review the documents and see the evidence.
If the court agrees, they will order the landlord to return the improperly withheld funds... or better.
I say or better since most state laws hold the landlord liable for any faults and can penalize them by restricting or preventing the deductions.

You need to read your state security deposit laws to see what obligations the landlord has and whether the landlord complied with them.

Google '(insert your state) security deposit law' and you will find LOTS of links to your state laws.