Release before return of Deposit

[ergate]

We left our apartment, and asked for the return of our deposit. The landlord will only return our deposit if we sign a "Release", which basically says we will not take any action against them for any reason from the beginning of time to the date signed.
Is this Common, legal? should I contact a tenant lawyer and have them send a repsonse?
thanks

[mjr203]

never heard of this. it's their responsibility to return the security deposit. you can find info on Sec Deps on the attorney general of NYS's website... check it out there. I would suggest not signing anything. I have never had to sign anything like that to get a sec dep back.