Location: New York
Hi everyone,
I’m a student in NYC and recently moved out of a shared apartment managed by a company (no actual landlord interaction—just the management). According to the lease, I paid a full month’s rent as a security deposit.
Here’s the issue:
• I vacated the apartment and cleaned everything on [insert date here].
• As of today, it’s been 14 days since I moved out.
• I have not received my deposit or any itemized statement explaining deductions.
• I followed up, and they replied that they are still “reviewing” the electricity charges (which were unusually high and only sent to me 5 months after moving in—more than $100/month, when I was told it would be around $40–$50/month).
• I never used the AC in my room, and I’ve asked them to review the charges before, but got no clear answer.
From my understanding of NY General Obligations Law § 7-108(1-a)(e), if a landlord doesn’t return the deposit or provide an itemized deduction list within 14 days, they forfeit the right to keep any of it—even if there are outstanding charges.
Can they still legally deduct electricity after the 14 days? Has anyone dealt with something similar or taken it to small claims court?
Thanks so much in advance.