How to Write a Legal Security Deposit Demand Letter in New York
In New York, security deposits are governed by New York General Obligations Law § 7-108. Landlords must return your deposit within 14 days of move-out, and wrongful withholding can expose them to damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount.
See your New York demand letter free — in 30 seconds
Paste your deductions and instantly preview a formal letter citing N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108. No account, no email.
Generate free preview →New York security deposit law at a glance
- Governing statute
- New York General Obligations Law § 7-108
- Cite in your letter as
- N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108
- Return deadline
- 14 days after move-out
- Penalty for bad faith
- 2× the wrongfully withheld amount
- Small claims limit
- $10,000
5 steps to a demand letter that gets a response
- 1
State the facts up front
Open with your deposit amount, the property address, and your move-out date. Make clear you are formally disputing the deductions — not asking a favor.
- 2
Cite N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108
Reference New York General Obligations Law § 7-108 by name. New York landlords must return the deposit within 14 days and may only withhold for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Naming the statute signals you know your rights.
- 3
Itemize every disputed charge
List each deduction and explain why it is not lawful — routine cleaning, repainting, and ordinary carpet wear are the landlord's cost of doing business, not yours.
- 4
State the penalty exposure
Spell out that wrongful withholding under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108 can expose the landlord to damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount. This is what moves landlords to settle.
- 5
Set a deadline and send certified
Demand return within 14 days and send the letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. The receipt is your proof of delivery if you end up in New York small claims court (limit $10,000).
Skip the formatting — we draft it citing N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108
Preview free, then get a court-ready PDF prepared for certified mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What law governs security deposit demand letters in New York?
New York General Obligations Law § 7-108 (cited in letters as N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108) governs security deposits in New York. It requires return within 14 days of move-out and limits deductions to damage beyond normal wear and tear.
How much can I demand in New York?
You can demand the full amount that was wrongfully withheld. If the landlord acted in bad faith, N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108 allows for damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount, which you can pursue in small claims court (New York limit: $10,000).
Do I have to send the demand letter by certified mail in New York?
It is not always legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Certified mail with a return receipt proves the landlord received your demand and started the clock — essential evidence if you file in New York small claims court.
Can I see a New York demand letter before I pay?
Yes. You can generate a free instant preview of a New York security deposit demand letter — citing N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108 — with no account or payment required.
Related New York guides
Tenant rights tips — free
Security deposit guides and landlord dispute tactics. One email per week.