New York Security Deposit Recovery
Draft a demand letter grounded in New York landlord-tenant law. Cited, validated, and ready to send to your former landlord.
New York Deposit Law at a Glance
Primary Statute
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108
Return Deadline
14 days
Penalty
Miss the 14-day deadline and the landlord forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit. Courts may also award punitive damages and attorney's fees for a willful violation.
What N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108 Provides
Requires landlords to return security deposits within 14 days of move-out, along with an itemized statement of deductions.
This is general information about the statute. A demand letter generated by Resolvaio will cite the specific subsections relevant to your situation. Verify current law with official sources.
How to Recover Your Deposit in New York
- 1Answer diagnostic questions about your tenancy, move-out date, deposit amount, and any deductions claimed.
- 2Receive a demand letter citing N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108 and other applicable New York statutes.
- 3Review and send via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. We track the statutory deadline.
- 4If no response, escalation documents for small claims court or a state attorney general complaint are available.
Refund available before generation. One letter per case.
New York small claims by county
If your landlord ignores the demand letter, here's where you file in New York — with each county's court and filing fee.
New York security deposit — common questions
- How long does my New York landlord have to return my deposit?
- New York landlords have 14 days after you move out to return the deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions (N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108).
- What happens if my New York landlord misses the 14-day deadline?
- If the landlord fails to provide the itemized statement and return the deposit within 14 days, they forfeit the right to keep any portion of it — the full deposit must be returned.
- How much can my New York landlord charge as a deposit?
- Since the 2019 HSTPA reforms, a New York landlord may not require a security deposit greater than one month’s rent, regardless of the length of the tenancy. Move-in fees dressed up as deposits are not allowed.
- Can my New York landlord charge me for cleaning?
- Deductions are limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Routine cleaning and normal wear are not deductible.
- Can I recover more than my deposit in New York?
- Beyond the forfeiture rule, courts may award punitive damages and reasonable attorney’s fees where a landlord willfully violates § 7-108.
- How much can I sue for in New York small claims?
- New York City small claims courts handle disputes up to $10,000; most courts outside the city handle up to $5,000. You can file without a lawyer.
General information about New York law. Resolvaio is a writing and research assistance tool, not a law firm. Verify current statutes with official sources before acting.