1. Housing Lawyer in Bronx Lease Expiration Background
A housing lawyer Bronx New York clients seek is often retained after repeated informal requests for a deposit refund fail.
In this matter, the tenant had fully performed under the lease and clearly communicated non renewal before the contract term ended.
Despite proper notice and vacancy, the landlord refused repayment.
Lease Non Renewal Notice and Deposit Payment
The tenant entered into a residential lease several years earlier and paid a security deposit of 18,000 dollars at signing.
As the lease term approached expiration, the tenant informed the landlord in writing, more than six months in advance, that there would be no renewal.
The communication was clear, documented, and consistent with the lease provisions.
Even after confirming the termination date, the landlord did not dispute the end of the tenancy.
However, the landlord later claimed that the deposit would only be returned after a replacement tenant signed a new lease, a position that conflicted with New York’s statutory framework governing security deposits.
2. Housing Lawyer in Bronx Tenant Surrender and Possession
A housing lawyer Bronx New York renters depend on must also evaluate whether legal possession was properly returned.
In deposit disputes, the timing of surrender and the condition of the premises are central issues.
Here, the tenant took deliberate steps to document vacancy and turnover.
Bronx Apartment Vacancy and Key Transfer
On the final day of the lease term, the tenant removed all personal belongings and vacated the apartment.
The tenant then provided the landlord with the updated entry code and confirmed in writing that possession had been surrendered.
Photographs and communications were preserved to demonstrate that the unit was left in clean, rentable condition.
Under New York practice, once the tenant vacates and returns control of the premises, the landlord’s obligation regarding the security deposit is triggered.
The landlord cannot condition repayment on the arrival of a future tenant, nor can the landlord hold the deposit indefinitely for speculative losses.
3. Housing Lawyer in Bronx Legal Strategy and Claims
A housing lawyer Bronx New York litigators respect will typically review statutory deposit requirements, written communications, and proof of surrender before filing suit.
In this case, the attorney assembled documentary evidence and initiated a civil action seeking the full return of the 18,000 dollar deposit.
Written Demand and Court Filing Strategy
Before filing the lawsuit, the tenant, through counsel, sent a formal written demand requesting the return of the full security deposit.
The letter referenced the expiration of the lease, the completed surrender of the apartment, and the landlord’s continued refusal to pay.
When no payment was made within the statutory timeframe, a complaint was filed in a New York trial court seeking:
Return of the full 18,000 dollar deposit.
Statutory interest, where applicable.
Court costs and related litigation expenses.
In New York, landlords must return a residential security deposit within fourteen days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized statement of any lawful deductions.
If the landlord fails to provide such an itemized statement within that timeframe, the landlord may forfeit the right to retain any portion of the deposit.
A housing lawyer Bronx tenants consult will carefully evaluate whether that deadline was missed.
4. Housing Lawyer in Bronx Court Outcome and Practical Impact
A housing lawyer Bronx New York tenants rely on can significantly influence how a court views the facts.
When the evidence shows timely notice, proper surrender, and no itemized deductions, courts frequently rule in favor of the tenant.
In this matter, the court ordered the landlord to return the full deposit and bear the litigation costs.
Bronx Court Decision and Cost Allocation
The court determined that the lease had validly expired and that the tenant had clearly surrendered possession.
The landlord’s justification, namely that repayment depended on securing a new tenant, was rejected.
Because no timely, itemized statement of damages had been provided, the landlord was not permitted to retain any portion of the deposit.
As a result, the court directed the landlord to:
Pay the entire 18,000 dollar security deposit.
Cover the tenant’s allowable court costs.
This outcome illustrates how structured documentation, timely legal action, and a well prepared complaint can shape the result.
A housing lawyer Bronx renters consult does not simply argue fairness, but instead aligns the facts with New York’s statutory protections governing residential tenancies.
18 Feb, 2026
