New York Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free New York security deposit demand letter that follows New York law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What New York law says
| Deposit return deadline | 14 days after the tenant vacates |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Itemized statement showing the basis for any amount retained, within 14 days of move-out. Deductions limited to reasonable, itemized costs for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities, and moving/storage of tenant belongings. Tenant may request a pre-move-out inspection, after which the landlord must give an itemized list of proposed repairs/cleaning. |
| Penalty for withholding | Missing the 14-day deadline forfeits the landlord's right to keep any part of the deposit. Violators owe actual damages; a willful violation adds punitive damages of up to twice the deposit. |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Not defined by statute. A landlord may retain only reasonable, itemized amounts for unpaid rent, damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities owed directly to the landlord, and moving and storage of the tenant's belongings, and may not retain any amount for ordinary wear and tear of occupancy. The tenant may request a pre-move-out inspection (one to two weeks before move-out, on 48 hours' notice) and then cure listed repair or cleaning items. The landlord bears the burden of proving deductions are reasonable. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(e), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(e), (g).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.