Sheffer, who’s written music for films like “The Good Shepherd” and “Batman Returns,” says in the new Manhattan civil lawsuit that he was “tricked” into paying Michael Wainstein $26,700 in rent for a unit at the legendary Apthorp — that he had no right to rent to him.
Sheffer sought to move to the West 78th Street building, which has been home to celebrities like Nora Ephron and Al Pacino, in August 2015 after selling his Greenwich Village townhouse for $18 million.
He had newborn twins and needed extra space to house a nanny. He learned from the Apthorp’s property manager that Michael Wainstein may have a small apartment available for rent.
According to court documents obtained by the publication, Sheffer signed the lease for the $4,000-a-month apartment in January and forked over $20,700 in rent, a broker’s fee and a security deposit. The composer then paid another $6,000 to repair broken tiles in the kitchen, a damaged refrigerator and other work.
Then Sheffer learned that the apartment was actually owned by Michael’s estranged wife, Jules Wainstein and he discovered that no one could rent the unit because Jules was three years behind on common charges.
The suit claims Michael pocketed the cash knowing that he had no right to rent the unit. Meanwhile, an attorney for Michael Wainstein said he denies the allegations.
“The evidence will reflect the truth of this case that Mr. Sheffer breached the terms of the lease and now he is looking for a creative way to cancel his obligations,” said Morghan Richardson. “Mr. Wainstein has properly managed and administered the apartment since acquiring it. Mr. Wainstein plans to file his own action to recover what is owed under the terms of the lease and he will seek all remedies and damages available to him under the law.”
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