By Lauren Otis, Staff Writer
Princeton landlord Sanford Zeitler has settled a two-year-old lawsuit over allegations he wrongfully withheld rent security deposits and other claims from tenants, according to the tenants’ attorney, Roger Martindell.
Mr. Zeitler settled the 13-count civil complaint for $55,000, said Mr. Martindell, who is a Princeton Borough councilman.
”The five people who settled were all made whole and their attorney’s fees were covered,” Mr. Martindell said.
The lead plaintiff in the case, Alicia Barrita, alleged Mr. Zeitler illegally rented her a Franklin Township property which she intended to use as a residence and site for a home-based Mexican food distribution business, then refused to refund $20,000 she spent on renovations when she was evicted by the township because the site wasn’t zoned for either use.
The tenants in the case, all Latinos, had alleged that, for properties he owned in Princeton and Franklin, Mr. Zeitler improperly charged them for damages they did not cause, illegally failed to return rent deposits, and rented property he was not legally entitled to, according to Mr. Martindell.
Mr. Zeitler’s attorney, George Dougherty, did not return a call seeking comment.
Mr. Martindell said the decision not to take the case to court was made because of the time and expense involved, combined with the fact that “all (plaintiffs) were going to get their money back.”
In a news release, Mr. Martindell said Latinos were often denied their rights in housing and employment situations, and it was important that they knew they could seek legal redress.
”We are pleased that this matter has been settled amicably,” Mr. Martindell said in the press release. “Mr. Zeitler provides substantial affordable housing opportunities in Princeton, and we want to see him continue to do so in an honest manner,” he said.
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