New York security deposit demand letter
This is the body of the letter, with your details in brackets. Sentences marked "Only if" appear only when your answers match. The letter is sent in your name.
I was a tenant at [rental address]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I vacated the premises on [date you vacated].
Under section 7-108(1-a)(e) of the New York General Obligations Law, within fourteen days after the tenant has vacated the premises, the landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized statement indicating the basis for the amount of the deposit retained, if any, and must return any remaining portion of the deposit to the tenant.
More than fourteen days have passed since I vacated.
[Only if nothing received] I have not received an itemized statement or my deposit.[Only if statement missing, partial payment] I received $[amount returned] on [date returned]. I have not received an itemized statement.
The same provision states that if a landlord fails to provide the tenant with the statement and deposit within fourteen days, the landlord forfeits any right to retain any portion of the deposit.
Under section 7-108(1-a)(f), in any action or proceeding disputing the amount of any portion of the deposit retained, the landlord bears the burden of proof as to the reasonableness of the amount retained. Section 7-108(1-a)(g) provides that any person who violates it is liable for actual damages.
I am requesting the return of my security deposit.
Statute: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 7-107, 7-108. Read the statute (7-108), Read the statute (7-107).
Last reviewed: October 2026