Security Deposit? Refundable?
Hi, I live in NY around the albany area. Recently, I paid what I was told was a security deposit. However, the receipt was signed as deposit. Anyway, I chose to move out of that location after living in this terrible place for 11 days (place was run down, mice poop in my dishes, broken windows, can't get a hold of land lord, etc etc.) , I did not pay any rent (as I coudlnt get a hold of him) , no lease was signed, and now the land lord says I paid a non refundable deposit and it was not a security deposit. He said the only way I could get my money back is if someone moved in before a certain date. The deposit was 600. Also someone did move in and he still won't return my money. Unfortunately I don't have his statement in writing. I do have proof in our email conversation that it was indeed a security deposit that I paid him. I have two questions:
How does the fact that there is no lease effect the situation?
Lets say for the sake of argument that I did pay a non refundable deposit. Is that legal?