New York Security Deposit Demand Letter (Sample Letter + Guide)

Use this New York security deposit demand letter sample to ask for your deposit back under the 14-day rule. Copy the sample letter, see what to include, and learn what to do next.

State information reviewed September 2026 Official New York sources Built for renters first

Below is a copy-and-use New York security deposit demand letter, plus when to send it and what to keep with it.

If your landlord did not return your deposit or send a proper itemized statement within 14 days after you moved out and gave the apartment back, a written demand is usually the next step. See the 14-day deadline rule if you need to check the timing.

Before you send the letter, know two things: what date started the 14-day clock, and what proof you have. If you returned keys to a super, sent them by mail, left them with a building office, or used a portal, save that proof.

You can copy the sample below and complete it with your own facts.

When to Use a Security Deposit Demand Letter

Use this letter if:

You moved out of a rental in New York
More than 14 days have passed since you moved out and returned keys or possession
You have not received your deposit back
You received deductions without a proper itemized statement
The deductions are for ordinary wear, prior damage, or vague cleaning/turnover costs
You asked for the pre-move inspection or fixed listed issues before the tenancy ended and the landlord is ignoring that record
You want to make a clear written request before taking the next step

Under New York General Obligations Law §§ 7-107 and 7-108, as applicable, a landlord must either:

return the deposit within 14 days after move-out, or
provide an itemized statement of deductions and return any remaining deposit within that same period

If that does not happen, the landlord can forfeit the right to keep any part of the deposit.

If the landlord keeps money, New York also puts the burden on the landlord to prove the amount kept was reasonable.

Sample Security Deposit Demand Letter

You can copy this sample security deposit demand letter, fill in your details, and send it yourself.

[Your Name]
[Your Current Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Date]

[Landlord’s Name]
[Landlord’s Address]

Re: Security Deposit for [Rental Address]

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing regarding the security deposit for the rental property at [Rental Address], which I moved out of and returned possession of on [Move-Out / Key-Return Date].

Under New York General Obligations Law §§ 7-107 and 7-108, as applicable, a landlord must provide an itemized statement showing the basis for any retained amount and return any remaining security deposit within 14 days after the renter moves out and gives possession back.

More than 14 days have now passed since I moved out and returned possession, and I have not received my security deposit / a proper itemized statement explaining any deductions.

I have proof of the move-out and key/possession-return date, including [text/email/receipt/portal message/photo/witness/certified-mail record].

New York law can make a landlord forfeit the right to retain any portion of the deposit if the itemized statement and deposit are not provided within the 14-day period. If you are withholding any amount, please identify the specific statutory basis for each deduction and provide records showing the charge is reasonable.

Please return the full security deposit of $[Amount], or provide a compliant itemized statement of deductions, within 5 days of receiving this letter.

If I do not receive a response, I may pursue recovery through the appropriate legal process.

Please send any payment and correspondence to the address listed above.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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How to Use This Sample Letter

A security deposit demand letter does not need to be complicated.

The goal is to make a clear written request that shows:

when you moved out
when you returned keys or possession
who received the keys or possession - landlord, super, broker, management office, concierge, mail, or portal
how much the deposit was
that the 14-day period has passed
what you are asking for
when you expect a response

Keep it short. Keep it factual.

A simple letter like this works in many cases.

What to Include

Include the basic facts that matter:

your full name
the rental address
your move-out date
your key-return or possession-return date
the amount of the deposit
your forwarding address
your email or phone number
a short deadline for response

If you have them, it also helps to keep copies of:

move-out photos
a key-return receipt, portal message, text, email, photo, screenshot, certified-mail receipt, or witness note
the move-in condition agreement, if one exists
any pre-vacate inspection request, inspection notice, proposed repair list, or cure proof
your lease
proof of rent or deposit payment
text messages or emails with the landlord

How to Send It

It is usually best to send the letter in a way you can document later.

A practical approach is:

Send it by certified mail
- This gives you proof that it was sent and delivered
Send the same letter by email if you have the address
- This creates an additional record
Keep copies of everything
- Save the letter, email, mailing receipt, and any response

What Happens After You Send It

In many cases, one of two things happens.

The landlord sends the deposit

Sometimes a formal written request is enough.

The landlord responds with deductions

If that happens, review whether the deductions were itemized, whether they fall within New York’s allowed categories, and whether the landlord can prove the amount is reasonable. See what landlords can deduct.

The landlord ignores the letter

If there is still no response, the next step is usually to consider filing in Small Claims Court or another appropriate forum. See the small claims guide.

The letter creates a clear record. What happens next depends on the response, your proof, and your follow-up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

waiting too long after the 14-day deadline has passed
sending only informal messages instead of a real letter
forgetting to include the move-out date
not keeping proof that the letter was sent
arguing every detail instead of making a simple request

A clean, direct letter works better than a long emotional one.

A Quick Note on Cleaning and Repair Deductions

A lot of deposit disputes come down to cleaning and repairs.

Landlords can usually deduct for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear. Routine use, light scuffs, and aging are different from real damage.

New York’s allowed deduction categories are narrower than a generic cleaning bill: unpaid rent, renter-caused damage beyond normal wear and tear, utility charges payable directly to the landlord under the lease or tenancy, and moving or storage of belongings. If your landlord is claiming cleaning or repair costs, the key question is whether the charge fits the law, is itemized, and is reasonable.

If your landlord misses New York’s 14-day deposit rule, the landlord can forfeit any right to keep part of your deposit. If the violation was willful, the landlord could also face punitive damages of up to twice the deposit or advance.

Disclaimer

This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.