This is for small claims court.
The landlord has not given me the deposit back and said as quoted, ''l do not know why people are scared of small claims.Let is go there to get your deposit back.''A lawyer from Ohio said that l can charge 3 times the deposit but not sure how it is in New York.
The landlord also decided to run a daycare in the apartment during my last month is rent without my consent.Should l be refunded my last month is rent?

Only if u cite that corresponding statute in ur claim that proves u r entitled to such damages.

The only way is to get a Judgment issued in that amount.THEN, u r on ur own to actually collect the award.

Start with a demand letter & cite the statute pertaining to deposit returns & say something like..state law allows me triple damages since u did not return it in time, but l will not pursue it if u return my deposit in 7 business days, blah, blah, blah.

But, if u did get ur deposit..leave it be.the award part might be easy.but actually collecting the money..way frustrating, costly, & time consuming.

It is usually 2 times the amount of the deposit, but be sure your landlord is holding it illegally and not for damages or back rent.

Most states have a remedy for intentionally withholding the security deposit after the proper termination of the lease, but the double/treble damage award is the sole discretion of the judge and is not automatic

You do not ''charge'' three times the amount. You sue him in court and ''request'' the judge to assess punitive damages. But why a landlord essentially dares you to sue him is beyond me unless he is an idiot or he has something on you.