Breaking lease and found new tenant -- What is fair?

[NYCTenant]

Hi,

I live in NYC and I am breaking my lease to move home to take care of my terminally ill father. I found a new tenant and she has already signed a new lease which begins Oct 1st. My landlord increased the rent, however, now he and I are finalizing my lease termination and he wants an extra month's rent and to keep my security deposit. I have not damaged the apartment at all and my rent is current. I have never been late. What is fair? He is not losing a dime and in fact is getting more money from the new tenant. Please advise.

[Lexus]

At first you have to send a written request to the LL asking the security deposit and keep a record of the letter. If your LL is not responding fairly, you can sue the LL in small claims court for not refunding the security deposit within reasonable time. You can put forward the evidences of your rent payments, the details of new tenant agreement that you had arranged to compensate your early termination in support of your case.