With my lease coming up at the end of April, I began looking for a new apartment in March as I needed to give my current landlord notice by April 1st of whether or not I would be staying in my current apartment. I saw an apartment I loved and submitted an application with a $75 app fee to the broker (who happened to be living in the apartment). Over the first week after I submitted my app, there... [more]
With my lease coming up at the end of April, I began looking for a new apartment in March as I needed to give my current landlord notice by April 1st of whether or not I would be staying in my current apartment.
I saw an apartment I loved and submitted an application with a $75 app fee to the broker (who happened to be living in the apartment). Over the first week after I submitted my app, there was some back and forth communication regarding the application and some excuses as to why the owner was dragging his feet in getting back to me, but it sounded like I would be getting the apartment. From this point, the broker became increasingly non-communicative, not answering my calls, not responding to voicemails and responding to about 1 out of every 3 or 4 emails I sent to him wondering what was going on. It had been over 3 weeks and I still had not received any answer on the apartment regarding my application. I since have had to renew my lease at my current apartment (even though I wanted to move) because I passed up other apartments thinking I was going to get the one I applied for weeks ago.
I then left a voicemail and sent an email requesting the broker refund my application fee since they never actually responded or processed my application.
Are there any repercussions to this broker who stole my application fee? I see that I can file a complaint with the NY Dept of State, but is that even worth my time? Is there anything else I can do?
Thanks in advance for any input.
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