Small Claims Court Question

I'm not sure where to post this so I figured I'd start here.

My family and I rented a vacation home in upstate NY this past summer for one week.

We have a contract with the property owner which outlines the rules and regulations, cost, security deposit, etc.

We did everything on time and within the guidelines requested in the contract.

Our security deposit was supposed to be returned within one month of our departure. We are now approaching 7 weeks since we left the property.

I've tried contacting the owner through email and via phone and have had no luck.

I'm thinking I may have to go through small claims court if I continue to get no response.

My question is two fold:

1) Do I go right to small claims and file a suit against them? We're on LI, the house is in Warren County NY and the property owner lives in DC so how do I do that?

2) Is there something I should do before going the small claims route?

Any advice or guidance is appreciated.

Thank you.

Re: Small Claims Court Question

I FMed you some info that might help.

Re: Small Claims Court Question

Well if it is a realtor you dealt with you may want to contact consumer affairs or the Better Business Bureau. They may be able to help resolve the issue without you having to file a claim.