My Landlord claims that I owe her money but we gave the money to the broker. Help!?

Question

In Brooklyn, NY. I rented an apartment from a broker and paid them 1st and last as well as security and a commission. It was the same normal routine I have gone through many times before. The broker also happened to do some repair work on the apt. Since I have moved in I have been bothered by the landlord, she claims to only have received 2 of the 3 payments. She is saying it is my responsibility to hunt down the broker that she hired and see to it that she gets this money, I keep telling her I don't owe her that service and that it is completely in her hands. I did mention to the broker the situation and he told me that they had an agreement that one of the payments would go towards the repair work they did on the apt. . Please someone help explain if I am at any liability here, from what I can tell - it is her own problem and she needs to fix the issues herself, it's not my fault she or the broker is not conducting business well. Talk about a nightmare to move into, to top it off she bugs me about this every-time I see her and it is annoying me to no end (she lives in the same building). I'm hoping to learn of some law out there that defends me in this situation. I have provided her with all of the proof needed that shows I paid the broker in full. Please help me with your advice, thanks!

Answer 1

It depends who the broker was working for.  If you went through the broker to find the apartment, then the broker is representing you and you are liable for any missin payments.  Then you would have to sue the broker to recover the damages from him.  You should get a copy of the agreement that states a payment can go towards a repair, proof of that payment, and a receipt for the repair.  Then you will have solid ground.

If the broker was representing the owner, any payment you made to the broker can be counted even if she says she did not get it.  Then all you need to show is that you made all your payments and then the two of them have to work out the problem.

Answer 2

.    YOur cancelled checks are all the proof you need.