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New York security deposit demand letter
Also: New York security deposit return deadline (14 days)
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.
The rule in plain English
Within 14 days after the tenant vacates, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of any amount retained and return the remaining deposit. A landlord who misses the 14-day deadline forfeits any right to retain any portion of the deposit. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, certain unpaid utilities, and moving/storage of belongings.
Statute: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)
Deadline calculator
Enter a move-out date.
Steps for tenants
Request a pre-move-out inspection if offered; give a forwarding address.
Penalty & remedies
A landlord is liable for actual damages; a willful violation can bring punitive damages of up to twice the deposit (§ 7-108(1-a)(g)). The landlord bears the burden of proving deductions were reasonable.
What to put in your letter
What to put in your New York demand letter: your forwarding address, move-out date, deposit paid, amount returned, and a short list of disputed charges. Quote N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a) and summarize the rule in your own words: Within 14 days after the tenant vacates, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of any amount retained and retu… Ask for payment by a specific date and say you will consider small claims court if needed. Mention you are sending the letter certified mail.
Going further
New York’s 14-day rule is short compared with many states. If your landlord missed it, the law treats the deposit differently than a late-but-itemized response—understand your exact timeline before you write. Document the condition of the apartment with dated photos at move-in and move-out. If you were offered a walk-through inspection, note whether it happened. Your demand letter should ask for the remaining balance and reference the statute your letter generator includes—without adding penalties or amounts not in your verified sources. Housing courts see many deposit cases; a clear letter often prompts payment.
Read more about what to do if your landlord ignores your demand letter.
Sources
Last checked: October 20, 2026
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FAQ
How long does a New York landlord have to return a deposit?
14 days under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a). Within 14 days after the tenant vacates, the landlord must provide an itemized statement of any amount retained and return the remaining deposit. A landlord who misses the 14-day deadline forfeits any right to retain any portion of the deposit. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, certain unpaid utilities, and moving/storage of belongings.
What should New York tenants do before move-out?
Request a pre-move-out inspection if offered; give a forwarding address.
Can DepositLetter cite other laws for me?
We only cite the verified statute and rule on this page—not extra penalties unless listed above.
How do I preselect this state in the tool?
Use the button below or visit the home page with your state in the dropdown.
Is this legal advice?
DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.