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How to Get Security Deposit Refunds in NYC?


It seems that a big question on many tenant’s mind is how to get a security deposit refund NYC. You might be one of those and that is why you are visiting this website. The other day a renter that had moved out his apartment said he has been waiting four months for his security deposit refund and cannot get a response from his landlord. Does this sound like a similar problem you are going through? Well I hope that we can help you find a solution to help you get your security deposit refund NYC.

At this point, if you are preparing to move out of your apartment and are wanting to how what you will need to do to get your security deposit returned here are few things you can do.

What can the landlord deduct from your security deposit?

  • For unpaid rent
  • For costs to repair damage that is above normal wear and tear
  • Any damages caused by the tenant

How can you make sure that you don’t have things he can deduct?

Make sure that you do a thorough inspection with your landlord before moving in and document in writing any conditions that could be used against you when you move out. Make sure that both you and the landlord sign the document stating the damages. I think you should also take pictures of the damage and attach those pictures to the document.

Of course, when you leave you will clean your apartment thoroughly and make sure that you take all your personal belongings with you.
  • Remove all your trash from your apartment
  • Repairs any damages you or others may have made over the time of your tenancy.
  • Rent paid and on time.


Do final inspections with your landlord so if he points out anything that he says needs to be repaired you can take care of that before you move. Document any of the things that he says you need to repair to get your security deposit refund. Have both you and your landlord sign the document listing the corrections needing to be made. Then take before and after pictures of the repairs to prove what you did to make the repairs.

Now I am sure that you know this and probably have done all of this and may still have problems getting your security deposit refund NYC. If this is the case and you are not getting your security deposit refund back, here are some options you might wish to pursue. Usually the security deposit is at least one month’s rent and that is just too much to leave on the table.

Contact your landlord to see when you deposit is coming and how much to expect. It is always important to try to work with you landlord first. After visiting with your landlord, write up what was agreed to and mail him a followup certified letter. Keep a copy for your files.

File a complaint with the Rental Protection Agency to help you with your rights to your security deposit refund NYC. When you contact them, they will assign you a complaint number and all the documentation of the action that was taken with your landlord will be documented. You will want to make sure that a certified letter is sent to your letter.

Small Claims Court is the next option. If you have to go this route, you will need to have all the written documentation showing you have tried to do things before going to court. The court likes to see that you have tried other routes before just taking the landlord to court.

Hire an attorney

Hopefully one of these options will help you get back your much deserved security deposit refund NYC. The landlord is required to return your security deposit, less any lawful deduction, to you at the end of your lease and within a reasonable amount of time. You decide what a reasonable time frame is for you. Get the help you need now!

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