New York · NY · updated 2026
In New York, a landlord must return a security deposit within 14 calendar days
Quick answer
A New York landlord has 14 calendar days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under New York security deposit law, a New York landlord has 14 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when you move out. By statute, the deposit is capped at 1 month's rent. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 14 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- you move out
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Required of the landlord
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Interest on deposit
- Required
Calculate your exact New York deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a New York landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (New York requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
Missing the 14-day deadline forfeits any right to retain any portion of the deposit; willful violation exposes landlord to punitive damages up to twice the deposit, plus actual damages.
How to get your deposit back in New York
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common New York deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- New York requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New York?
- In New York, a landlord must return a security deposit within 14 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New York?
- New York caps the security deposit at 1 month's rent.
- Can my New York landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. New York requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a New York landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- Yes. New York requires the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my New York landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- Missing the 14-day deadline forfeits any right to retain any portion of the deposit; willful violation exposes landlord to punitive damages up to twice the deposit, plus actual damages.
Post-HSTPA (2019): 14 days to return with itemization; deposit capped at 1 month. Landlord must offer a move-in inspection and written statement of existing conditions before occupancy (tenant may decline). Interest required only for buildings of 6+ units (§ 7-103).