New York Security Deposit Itemization Requirements

New York requires landlords to provide an itemized deduction statement within 14 days. Learn what's required and what to do if your landlord didn't comply.

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Law verified March 11, 2026

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Itemized Statement Required

New York law requires your landlord to provide an itemized written statement of any deductions within the same 14-day window. The statement must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. A vague statement like "cleaning and repairs: $400" is generally insufficient; line items are required.

Itemization

Itemized Statement Required

New York law requires your landlord to provide an itemized written statement of any deductions within the same 14-day window. The statement must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. A vague statement like "cleaning and repairs: $400" is generally insufficient; line items are required.

What Makes an Itemization Legally Sufficient in New York?

Courts in New York have generally held that a proper itemization must:

  • →List each deduction as a separate line item
  • →Include a specific dollar amount for each charge
  • →Identify what was damaged or cleaned, not just a category
  • →Be delivered in writing within 14 days
  • →Be accompanied by any remaining deposit balance or explanation of why none remains

A vague statement such as “cleaning and repairs: $600” typically does not satisfy the requirement. If your landlord's itemization was insufficient, their deductions may be invalid even if the underlying charges were legitimate.

Questions

Common questions answered.

Your New York landlord has 14 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by New York GOL §7-108.

If your landlord misses the 14-day deadline, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under GOL §7-108(1-a)(e), even deductions that might otherwise have been valid.

No. New York law under New York GOL §7-108 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.

Under New York GOL §7-108, the itemization must list each specific deduction with a corresponding dollar amount. Vague entries like "repairs: $500" are generally insufficient. Each line item should identify what was damaged and why it was charged.

If your landlord fails to provide the required itemized statement within 14 days, they may lose the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under New York GOL §7-108. This is true even if some deductions might otherwise have been legitimate.

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