R
Robert Smith
Guest
We have a two family home in Queens, New York. The second floor apt. has been rented for 8 years to the same family of 3. The apt. was totally rennovated before they took possession. New kitchen, bath, sheetrock, etc. We have all the receipts. The tenants paid the same rent without increase for over 7 years. They gave us 1 month security. They did not want a lease. They have given us notice that they will move out before the end of December. They paid the rent for Dec. We took a real estate person to see the apt. for possible rentals and found that they destroyed the apt. Kitchen cabinet doors missing, handles broken, all sinks chipped, tiles off the bath walls and floors, all molding ripped off the doors, windows, etc. sheet rock destroyed. When confronted, they said tough - keep the deposit. Can we sue in small claims court? The estimates to repair the apt. are in the range of $5000 - $7000. By the way, he is an attorney and said go ahead try and sue me -