How to Get Your Full Security Deposit Back
Written by Shannon, Owner and Founder of Long Island MaidsYour security deposit isn't gone—it's just being held hostage. Landlords can legally deduct for damage and excessive dirt, but "normal wear and tear" is your ally. Here's what they look for and how to avoid deductions.
What Landlords Can (and Can't) Deduct
According to the New York Attorney General, landlords can deduct from your security deposit for:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to return the unit to its original condition
- Unreturned keys or access devices
They cannot deduct for:
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, worn carpet, minor scuffs)
- Pre-existing damage (that's why move-in photos matter)
- Routine maintenance between tenants
Most Common Cleaning Deductions
These are the cleaning-related charges we see most often. Each one is avoidable with proper cleaning before move-out.
Grease buildup, burnt-on food, dirty drip pans. This is one of the most common deductions because most tenants forget to clean inside the oven.
Use oven cleaner spray, let it sit overnight, wipe clean. Replace drip pans if they're beyond saving ($10-15 for a set).
Spills on shelves, dirty drawers, mold in gaskets, food residue. Landlords check inside—not just the exterior.
Remove all shelves and drawers, wash with warm soapy water. Clean gaskets with a toothbrush. Pull out fridge and clean behind/underneath. See refrigerator cleaning guide.
Mold in grout, mildew on caulk, dirty exhaust fan. If mold has penetrated caulk, you may be charged for re-caulking.
Clean grout with bleach solution. If caulk is badly molded, remove and re-caulk yourself ($5-10 for caulk tube). Clean exhaust fan cover.
Stains, heavy soiling, pet odors. Some leases require professional carpet cleaning upon move-out.
Rent a carpet cleaner ($30-50/day) or hire professional cleaning ($100-150). Keep receipt as proof. Check your lease for specific requirements.
Dust buildup on blinds, dirty window tracks, water spots on glass.
Wipe each blind slat, vacuum window tracks, clean glass inside. Use a vacuum with brush attachment for blinds.
Vague charge for overall cleaning. Often includes multiple items landlord didn't want to itemize.
Follow a complete move-out checklist. Take timestamped photos of every room after cleaning. Leave no room for dispute.
The #1 Thing That Saves Your Deposit
Move-Out Cleaning Priority Order
If you're short on time, focus on these areas first—they're what landlords check most carefully:
- Kitchen appliances—Inside oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher
- Bathrooms—Toilet, tub/shower, grout, behind toilet
- Floors—Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, clean under appliances
- Cabinets/closets—Inside all cabinets and closet shelves
- Windows and blinds—Tracks, sills, and glass
- Walls and baseboards—Spot clean marks, wipe baseboards
Normal Wear and Tear Examples
These are NOT your responsibility to fix or pay for:
- Faded paint from sunlight
- Minor scuffs on walls (a few nail holes are usually okay)
- Worn carpet in high-traffic areas
- Loose door handles from normal use
- Faded or worn flooring
- Minor scratches on countertops
These ARE your responsibility:
- Large holes in walls
- Stained or burned carpet
- Broken fixtures
- Excessive dirt or grime
- Pet damage
- Unauthorized paint colors
If You're Charged Unfairly
- Request itemized deductions—Landlords must provide this in NY
- Compare to move-in photos—Show pre-existing damage
- Send a demand letter—Certified mail, citing specific laws
- File in small claims court—For amounts up to $10,000 in NY
- Contact local tenant rights organizations—Free legal advice available
Quick Checklist Before Handing Over Keys
- ☐ All personal belongings removed
- ☐ All trash removed from property
- ☐ Kitchen appliances cleaned inside and out
- ☐ Bathrooms cleaned and sanitized
- ☐ All floors vacuumed/mopped
- ☐ Inside all cabinets and closets cleaned
- ☐ Windows and blinds cleaned
- ☐ Walls spot cleaned, holes filled if needed
- ☐ All keys/remotes/garage openers ready to return
- ☐ Timestamped photos taken of everything
- ☐ Forwarding address provided to landlord
Frequently Asked Questions
What can landlords legally deduct from security deposits in New York?
In New York, landlords can deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning costs to return the unit to its original condition, and unreturned keys or access devices. They cannot deduct for normal wear and tear like faded paint or worn carpet.
What are the most common cleaning deductions from security deposits?
The most common cleaning-related deductions are: dirty oven/stovetop ($50-150), dirty refrigerator ($50-100), bathroom mold/mildew ($75-200), dirty carpets ($100-300+), dirty blinds/windows ($25-75), and general cleaning fees ($150-400).
How long does a landlord have to return my security deposit in New York?
In New York, landlords must return your deposit (or provide an itemized list of deductions) within 14 days of move-out. If they don't provide an itemized statement, they may forfeit the right to keep any of your deposit.
What counts as "normal wear and tear" vs. damage?
Normal wear and tear includes: faded paint from sunlight, minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, loose door handles, and minor scratches on countertops. Damage includes: large holes in walls, stained or burned carpet, broken fixtures, excessive dirt or grime, pet damage, and unauthorized paint colors.
What should I do if I'm charged unfairly from my security deposit?
Request an itemized list of deductions (required in NY), compare charges to your move-in photos showing pre-existing damage, send a demand letter via certified mail citing specific laws, file in small claims court (up to $10,000 in NY), or contact local tenant rights organizations for free legal advice.
Related Guides
Professional Move-Out Cleaning
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