New York Security Deposit Itemization Letter Template
What a New York security deposit itemization letter must include under New York law, and a fill-in draft that follows those rules.
What New York law requires
Within 14 days after the tenant moves out, the landlord must give the tenant an itemized statement showing the basis for any amount kept, and return the rest. Allowed deductions are only the reasonable, itemized costs of unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities payable to the landlord under the lease, and moving and storage of the tenant's belongings. No deductions for ordinary wear and tear, prior tenants' damage, or conditions noted in a move-in inspection agreement. Before move-out, the landlord must offer an inspection 1-2 weeks before the tenancy ends (with 48 hours' written notice) and give an itemized list of proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them. Missing the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit.
Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(b)-(g)
Fill-in draft
Replace every [bracketed] item. If your state or city requires specific wording, a specific form, or a translated version, that requirement controls over this draft. Courts dismiss eviction cases over defective notices — if anything is unclear, talk to a lawyer.
STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT DEDUCTIONS
To: [former tenant name(s)], at [forwarding address]
Premises: [street address, unit]
Tenancy ended / possession returned on: [date]
Deposit held: $[amount] Interest (if required): $[amount]
Deductions (itemized): [item — reason — cost], [item — reason — cost]
Amount returned: $[amount], sent by [method] on [date]. This statement is provided under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(e).
Date: [date]
Landlord or agent: [name, address, phone]
Signature: ____________________
Proof of delivery: Delivered on [date] by [method required by New York law] by [name].
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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.