1. NYC Housing Laws New York Lease Termination Notice
Under NYC housing laws, a tenant who does not intend to renew a lease must provide timely notice in accordance with the lease terms and New York Real Property Law.
When proper notice is given and acknowledged, the lease concludes at the end of the term, and the landlord’s obligation to return the security deposit is triggered.
Clear documentation of notice often becomes central in deposit litigation.
New York Proper Notice of Nonrenewal
The tenant informed the landlord more than three months before the lease expiration that renewal would not occur.
The landlord responded to the communication, confirming receipt of the tenant’s intent to vacate.
Text messages and call records were preserved as evidence demonstrating timely and proper notice.
In a New York court, such documentation supports a finding that the tenancy ended lawfully and without holdover status.
2. NYC Housing Laws New York Surrender of Possession
Under NYC housing laws, the obligation to return a security deposit arises when the tenant vacates and surrenders possession of the premises.
Surrender generally requires that the tenant remove personal property, return keys, and relinquish control of the unit.
Once possession is returned, the landlord must, within fourteen days, either refund the security deposit or provide a written itemized statement of lawful deductions.
New York Lawful Surrender and Deposit Obligation
After the lease term ended, the tenant vacated the apartment and returned possession in accordance with the lease.
There was no claim of unpaid rent, property damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other contractual breach.
Under New York law, a landlord who fails to provide a timely written itemized statement within the statutory period forfeits the right to retain any portion of the security deposit and may be liable for the full amount.
In this case, the landlord neither issued a compliant itemized statement nor returned any portion of the deposit.
3. NYC Housing Laws New York Financial Harm and Litigation Strategy
Security deposit disputes often involve significant financial pressure, especially when a tenant relied on savings or financing to secure the original lease.
Courts applying NYC housing laws consider whether the landlord complied with statutory duties and whether the tenant acted in good faith.
A structured litigation strategy focuses on documentary proof, statutory compliance, and demonstrable harm.
New York Evidence of Financial Impact
The tenant had originally funded the $25,000 security deposit through a housing related loan. When the landlord withheld the deposit after lease termination, the tenant remained responsible for outstanding financial obligations.
Counsel emphasized that the tenant fulfilled all lease obligations and suffered avoidable economic harm due solely to the landlord’s inaction.
Documentary evidence included the lease agreement, proof of payment, notice communications, move out confirmation, and records showing the absence of any lawful deduction notice.
4. NYC Housing Laws New York Court Decision and Outcome
When a landlord fails to comply with statutory deposit return requirements, New York courts may award the full amount of the security deposit, and in some cases, additional relief.
Courts evaluate whether the tenant provided proper notice, surrendered possession, and satisfied lease obligations.
Where the landlord cannot justify retention, judgment typically follows in favor of the tenant.
New York Full Security Deposit Judgment
The court accepted the tenant’s documented notice of termination and confirmed lawful surrender of the premises.
It determined that the landlord had a clear statutory obligation to return the deposit and failed to meet that obligation.
As a result, the court awarded judgment for the full $25,000 security deposit and ordered the landlord to bear litigation costs.
The decision reinforced that compliance with NYC housing laws is mandatory, not discretionary.
New York Strategic Enforcement under NYC Housing Laws
This case illustrates how careful documentation, timely notice, and strategic presentation of evidence can lead to full recovery in a New York lease dispute.
Tenants who act in accordance with NYC housing laws and preserve written communications significantly strengthen their legal position.
When a landlord ignores statutory duties, structured litigation may secure full deposit recovery and cost shifting.
Similar outcomes may be achievable in comparable New York residential lease disputes where the tenant has complied with legal requirements and the landlord has failed to return the security deposit without lawful justification.
Each case depends on its specific facts, but a disciplined approach grounded in NYC housing laws can make full recovery possible.
22 Feb, 2026
