New York security deposit laws
In New York, your landlord has 14 days to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Here is what the law requires, what they can and cannot keep, and how to get your money back.
Return deadline
14 days
After you hand back the keys
Penalty for wrongful withholding
Forfeiture + up to 2x
Landlord forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit; willful bad faith violations can result in punitive damages up to twice the deposit
Small claims limit
$10,000
Covers most deposit disputes
Itemized statement
Required
For any deductions the landlord takes
Related states
Compare nearby security deposit rules and deadlines.
What your New York landlord must do
Return the deposit on time
Under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 7-103 to 7-108, the landlord generally must return your deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions within 14 days after you move out. Missing that deadline often weakens or forfeits their right to keep any of it.
Justify every deduction
An itemized statement of the deductions is required, and vague or unsupported charges do not meet the standard. Normal wear and tear is never deductible.
Common New York deposit disputes
Pick the situation that matches yours for the New York-specific rules and a ready-to-send demand letter.
New York security deposit questions
How long does a landlord in New York have to return a security deposit?
Under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 7-103 to 7-108, a New York landlord generally has 14 days after you move out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions.
What can a New York landlord deduct from a security deposit?
Only actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and New York law allow. An itemized statement of the deductions is required. Ordinary wear from normal use is not deductible.
What happens if my New York landlord keeps my deposit unfairly?
Landlord forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit; willful bad faith violations can result in punitive damages up to twice the deposit A demand letter that cites N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 7-103 to 7-108 and the missed deadline is the standard first step before small claims.
Can I sue my landlord in New York small claims court over a deposit?
Yes. New York small claims court handles deposit disputes for amounts up to $10,000, which covers most deposits plus the statutory penalty. You do not need a lawyer.
Not legal advice
RentBack is jurisdiction-accurate legal research and drafting support for renters, not a law firm and not a substitute for a licensed attorney.