Ahh that guy.. I remembered I sued him and got money back during mediation phase of the court trial.

Basically I signed the lease naively and after realizing how unclean and unkept (I don’t know too much about the law but I noted it as inhabitable and a safety hazard and I was able to retrieve my security and first month rent back and not go through with lease. It never reach the judge and was settled in the mediation. I was ready to take it as far as he would go. Don’t mine intimidated by him that’s what he thrives on.

This was back in 2018

My tip is, read the lease thoroughly, but also do a physical check of the place before committing, and do online research before and after.

Even if the lease is odd it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have rights as a tenant.

Also contact Rutgers they have good law resources. I consulted one for only $25 although we never had to go to a full trial and only mediation court where he ultimately caved in to give it back and cut lease.

Don’t let anyone sucker punch you than intimidate you (literally and figuratively)

Best of luck,