I have a question about security deposits

Bill you and/or sue you, no? If the LL doesn't want to eat the expense, they'll come after you.

Never trust a landlord with your security deposit. Read this: http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/4619-secty-depsit-charge-tenant-for-re-caulking-tub-bc-mold-

although this might be your best defense http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/4624-sue-landlord-my-landlord-has-not-inspected-or-maintained-bathtub-and-mold-has-formed

I think it's fine if the landlord doesn't want to charge you a security deposit. Like drdrd said, if there's any damage the landlord would bill you, and if you didn't pay, ultimately sue you.

Leaving a security deposit doesn't mean you're off the hook for any damages - just gives the LL some assurance that if there is damage they'll have some money w/o having to sue you.

they will not sure you unless the damage you cause costs more than litigation - highly unlikely

Glamma is correct--it is highly unlikely a landlord would go to the trouble/expense of suing you unless you caused an enormous (several thousand dollars worth) amount of damage.

If the landlord has decided to dump the security deposit as an incentive to prospective renters (not a bad business decision in this environment), then he's clearly planning to assume the costs of minor damage to the apartment. Things like the holes you are describing would likely fall into the category of minor damage.

Peter Cooper refunded my security deposit when I renewed my lease.

Take the deal from the landlord, just don't be a total F-ing slub, clean the place (including the bathroom) like a civilized person. Don't let mold overtake the bathroom and you'll be golden. If you ARE a slob and mold overtakes the bathroom then you should expect to (and deserve to) get sued for the costs relating therefrom.

Sounds obvious doesn't it?

oh, and, clacker is an F-ing slob.

>>Don't let mold overtake the bathroom and you'll be golden. If you ARE a slob and mold overtakes the bathroom then you should expect to (and deserve to) get sued for the costs relating therefrom.<<

Ah, qwerty. Still grousing about that dratted mold after all this time, eh?

Perhaps they are becoming so accustomed to people using their security deposit as last month's rent (i.e. not paying the last month's rent on the lease) and realizing that there isn't really much they can do about it, that in a down market decided to turn giving up not much of anything into a good competitive advantage as a sales point. Whenever you can give up something which in reality doesn't mean too much to you as a "seller" (in this case, selling the lease) and have it make a meaningful impact on your marketing of the item, it's a good idea to implement it.