How long after the end of a lease can the landlord return the security deposit in NYC?
Well, I may be overly aggressive but I’ve had 5 apartments in NYC (some rent-stabilized, others not) and have successfully received my security deposit back within about 30 days from each landlord. Here is a summary of the steps I took: 1. I vacated the apartment timely and in clean condition without damage more than the normal wear and tear (in one exception my boyfriend had punched a hole in the door, and the security was reduced accordingly but still returned); 2. I immediately returned my set of keys to the landlord’s office. 3. That day, I called and either spoke to someone or left a voicemail documenting that I’d returned the keys, requesting a call back to confirm (of course you never get the callback). 4. The next day, I commence sending letters that state something like “As you know, I vacated the above-referenced apartment timely and in good, orderly condition with all rent paid on X date as required by our lease agreement dated X. I subsequently delivered keys on x date and
You didn’t actually say this is happening to you. Just for clarification, is it? How long has it been since your lease ended. How long have you been trying to get back the deposit? If your landlord is being a dick about it, like jellicle described, here is what I would do: 1) Collect documentation of the condition of the apartment before you moved out. Even if it is only from memory, at least put it to paper. Room by room, wall by wall. If there are any damages you know of that were caused by you. See if you can get a quote from someone to fix it. If you made such a list prior to moving in, find that too. Or, likewise, make one from memory. 2) Send a letter via certified mail asking for your deposit back, but not mentioning that they are required to comply or give you a list of damages. 3) Wait. And hope that they either return the deposit or that they don’t send the deposit or the list. If they do neither, then, 4) Depending on how long after the lease ended, send a letter 30 to 60 da
In many states if they don’t return it or give you a list of damages within 30 days, they have to return the whole amount. Send the landlord a letter by certified mail asking for the deposit back. Be sure he has your forwarding address. Keep copies of everything.
Related Questions
- What must a landlord do to return a security deposit at the expiration of the lease or upon surrender of the premises by the tenant?
- How much time does a landlord have to return a security deposit after the tenant moves out?
- How long after the end of a lease can the landlord return the security deposit in NYC?
