Introduction
Fairfield Properties is a large real estate company that owns and operates thousands of apartments across the United States. In January 2023, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with Fairfield Properties over allegations that the company illegally withheld security deposits from former tenants.
Under the terms of the settlement, Fairfield Properties agreed to return over $422,000 in security deposits to approximately 900 former tenants. The company also agreed to pay $90,000 in penalties.
What were the allegations against Fairfield Properties?
The New York Attorney General’s Office alleged that Fairfield Properties illegally withheld security deposits from former tenants by:
- Failing to provide tenants with a written itemized list of deductions from their security deposits, as required by law.
- Inspecting apartments without the tenant present, in violation of state law.
- Not allowing tenants to make repairs before vacating their apartment to avoid penalties.
What does this mean for tenants?
If you were a former tenant of Fairfield Properties and you believe that your security deposit was illegally withheld, you may be entitled to a refund.
To file a claim, you should contact the New York Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-771-7755 or online at https://ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/consumer.
How can I avoid having my security deposit withheld illegally?
To avoid having your security deposit withheld illegally, you should:
- Take detailed photos and videos of your apartment before you move in and after you move out.
- Keep a record of all repairs and maintenance requests that you make to your landlord.
- Request a written itemized list of deductions from your security deposit from your landlord within 30 days of moving out.
- If you disagree with any of the deductions, you should dispute them with your landlord in writing.
If you have any questions about your rights as a tenant, you should contact a tenant advocacy organization or a lawyer.
Conclusion
The Fairfield Properties lawsuit is a reminder that landlords are not allowed to withhold security deposits illegally. If you believe that your security deposit was illegally withheld, you may be entitled to a refund.
FAQs
Q: I’m a former tenant of Fairfield Properties. How do I know if my security deposit was withheld illegally?
A: If you didn’t receive a written itemized list of deductions from your security deposit within 30 days of moving out, or if you disagree with any of the deductions, your security deposit may have been withheld illegally.
Q: What should I do if I think my security deposit was withheld illegally?
A: You should contact the New York Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-771-7755 or online at https://ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/consumer.
Q: I live in a different state. Can I still file a claim against Fairfield Properties?
A: Yes, you can still file a claim against Fairfield Properties if you live in a different state. However, you may need to contact your state’s attorney general’s office or a tenant advocacy organization for assistance.
Q: What if I don’t have any documentation of the condition of my apartment before I moved in and after I moved out?
A: Even if you don’t have any documentation, you may still be able to file a claim against Fairfield Properties. You can try to gather witness testimony from friends or family members who saw the condition of your apartment before and after you moved out.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim against Fairfield Properties?
A: The statute of limitations for filing a claim against Fairfield Properties is two years. This means that you have two years from the date that your security deposit was withheld to file a claim.
Q: What should I do if I have any other questions about the Fairfield Properties lawsuit or my rights as a tenant?
A: You should contact a tenant advocacy organization or a lawyer.
Conclusion
The Fairfield Properties lawsuit is a reminder that tenants have rights. If you believe that your security deposit was withheld illegally, you may be entitled to a refund.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights. Contact the New York Attorney General’s Office or a tenant advocacy organization for assistance.
References
- https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2023/attorney-general-james-recovers-over-422000-hundreds-long-island-tenants
- https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/RPP/235-A
- https://nlihc.org/tenant-protections
