Is it normal for security deposit settlements to have a broad release?
Landlord's lawyer is asking for a broad release to be written into the settlement agreement whereas my lawyer had written that the settlement would release both parties from any claims "relevant to the dispute".
While the whole dispute started when a fire from the row house next door, forced me to evacuate my apartment, I have little to no mind to go after anyone. If I were to, I would go after the insurance company next door. I will mention that yes, I bI did have to go to the ER (was coughing up soot for a few days), and my doctor suggested I go see an ENT and pulmonologist jsut in case, but for the most part my labs are normal and I feel fine 5 months later.
I really just want what i feel is owed to me, which I believe has good legal standing in court. my security deposit and the rent I paid under duress after the fire had already evacuate me from my apt.
That being said, my patience and good faith is starting to feel really disrespected. For 6 months, I wanted to be considerate that we were all hurting in this disaster together, the same way I've been his tenant for 5 years and he's commented before that he appreciates my patience when he takes time getting back to fixing things around my apt. (He's a senior citizen and lives an hour away.). but since hte fire, it's been 1 thing after another, he doesn't know what the law is, but if i pay him now he'll get back to me, he "has the flu" and can't talk, he's going out of the country on vacation, he 's sure my renter's insurance paid me for loss of rent & he wants to call them to confirm I'm not double dipping, he just needs another week to do his research.
I finally cracked and said negotiations over, i'm going to court and he agreed to settle. Then yesterday, his lawyer wants to make these changes.
Is broad release typical in your experience for security deposit settlements?
location: NJ