New York Security Deposit Demand Letter (GOL § 7-108)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under New York General Obligations Law § 7-108, a landlord must provide an itemized statement of any deductions and return the remaining deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates. A landlord who misses that deadline forfeits the right to keep any portion of the deposit. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date].
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the full deposit, plus punitive damages of up to twice the deposit if the violation was willful.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in New York
Since the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act, New York landlords have 14 days after a tenant moves out to provide an itemized statement of any deductions and return the rest of the deposit. Deductions are limited to the reasonable, itemized costs of unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utility charges owed directly to the landlord under the lease, and moving and storing belongings left behind.
The 14-day rule has real teeth: a landlord who misses the deadline forfeits any right to keep part of the deposit. In a dispute, the landlord must prove that the amount kept was reasonable, and a landlord who willfully breaks these rules can owe punitive damages of up to twice the deposit. Deposits for most residential tenancies are also capped at one month's rent.
Landlords must tell tenants in writing that they can ask for an inspection before moving out and be present for it. The inspection takes place one to two weeks before the tenancy ends, and the landlord must then list the repairs or cleaning that could lead to deductions, giving you a chance to fix them. Take dated photos and video of every room on your last day.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, New York's own deadline under GOL § 7-108 is 14 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (New York limit: $10,000 in New York City ($5,000 in most other city courts)). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In New York, the rules are set out in New York General Obligations Law § 7-108. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award the full deposit, plus punitive damages of up to twice the deposit if the violation was willful.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In New York the limit is $10,000 in New York City ($5,000 in most other city courts), which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example New York security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under New York General Obligations Law § 7-108, a landlord must provide an itemized statement of any deductions and return the remaining deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates. A landlord who misses that deadline forfeits the right to keep any portion of the deposit. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was September 14, 2026.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for the full deposit, plus punitive damages of up to twice the deposit if the violation was willful.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a New York landlord have to return a security deposit?
14 days after you move out. Within that window the landlord must give you an itemized statement of any deductions and return the balance.
What happens if my New York landlord misses the 14-day deadline?
The landlord loses the right to keep any portion of the deposit, so you can ask for the whole amount back. If the landlord willfully violated the law, a court can also award punitive damages of up to twice the deposit.
Is there a limit on security deposits in New York?
For most residential leases, the deposit can't be more than one month's rent.
Where do I file if my landlord won't pay?
Small claims court. The limit is $10,000 in New York City and $5,000 in other city courts, with a $3,000 limit in town and village courts. Bring your lease, photos, this letter and proof of mailing.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
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