A complete demand letter for a New York tenant seeking return of a $2,400 security deposit, with state-specific legal citations and deadlines.
This security deposit demand letter is written for a New York tenant whose landlord failed to return a $2,400 deposit within the statutory 14-day period after move-out. Under New York General Obligations Law § 7-108, landlords must return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions within 14 days. Failure to do so may entitle the tenant to the full deposit plus penalties.
Sarah M. Chen
142 West 85th Street, Apt 4B
New York, NY 10024
[email protected]
(212) 555-0847
January 15, 2026
Via Certified Mail — Return Receipt Requested
Mr. David R. Greenfield
Greenfield Property Management LLC
308 East 92nd Street, Suite 2
New York, NY 10128
Re: Demand for Return of Security Deposit — $2,400.00
Former Address: 527 Amsterdam Avenue, Apt 6A, New York, NY 10024
Dear Mr. Greenfield,
I am writing to formally demand the return of my security deposit in the amount of $2,400.00 for the above-referenced apartment, which I vacated on December 15, 2025. As of the date of this letter, 31 days have passed since my move-out, and I have not received either my deposit or an itemized statement of any deductions.
Timeline of Events:
On August 1, 2023, I entered into a one-year residential lease for Apartment 6A at 527 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024. At that time, I paid a security deposit of $2,400.00, equal to one month's rent. The lease was subsequently renewed for an additional term. I provided written notice of non-renewal on October 15, 2025, and vacated the premises on December 15, 2025, returning all keys to your office on the same date.
Prior to vacating, I thoroughly cleaned the apartment, filled all nail holes, and left the unit in substantially the same condition as when I took possession, ordinary wear and tear excepted. I have dated photographs documenting the apartment's condition on both move-in and move-out dates.
Legal Basis:
Under New York General Obligations Law § 7-108, a landlord must return a tenant's security deposit, together with an itemized statement of any deductions, within fourteen (14) days after the tenant vacates. You are now 17 days past this statutory deadline.
Furthermore, under GOL § 7-108(1-a), deposits must be held in a separate interest-bearing account at a New York banking institution, and tenants are entitled to receive annual interest earned on the deposit. I have received no such accounting during my tenancy.
New York courts have consistently held that a landlord's failure to return a security deposit within the statutory period, or to provide an itemized statement of deductions, constitutes a waiver of the right to retain any portion of the deposit. See Pisgah Holdings LLC v. Ferreira, 2018 NY Slip Op 28390 (Civ. Ct. 2018). In cases of willful violation, courts may award the tenant up to twice the amount of the deposit in damages.
Demand:
I hereby demand the return of $2,400.00, representing the full amount of my security deposit plus any accrued interest, within fourteen (14) days of your receipt of this letter. Payment should be made by certified check payable to Sarah M. Chen and sent to the address above.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
If I do not receive payment within the stated deadline, I will file a claim in the Civil Court of the City of New York, Small Claims Part, seeking return of the full deposit, statutory penalties of up to twice the deposit amount, court filing fees, and any additional damages permitted by law. I will also file a complaint with the New York State Attorney General's Office and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
I trust this matter can be resolved without the need for litigation. Please contact me at the number or email above if you wish to discuss.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Sarah M. Chen
Enclosures:
— Copy of signed lease agreement
— Move-out photographs (dated 12/15/2025)
— Receipt for key return
The letter establishes an irrefutable timeline — lease start date, deposit amount, notice date, move-out date, and the exact number of days past the statutory deadline. This level of precision signals to the landlord that the tenant is organized and prepared for court.
Rather than vaguely threatening legal action, the letter cites NY GOL § 7-108 by section and subsection. It also references case law (Pisgah Holdings v. Ferreira) establishing that failure to return a deposit within 14 days constitutes a waiver. This demonstrates legal knowledge and makes the threat credible.
The letter specifies the exact amount demanded ($2,400.00) and mentions the potential for double damages. The landlord can immediately understand their financial exposure: pay $2,400 now or risk $4,800+ in court.
The letter doesn't just threaten small claims court — it mentions the Attorney General's Office and HPD. This multi-pronged approach increases the perceived cost of non-compliance.
Despite firm language, the letter remains professional and offers an opening for discussion. Courts view favorably parties who attempted reasonable resolution before filing suit.
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