New York Security Deposit Return Deadline

New York security deposit return deadline at a glance

New York landlords have 14 days to return a tenant's security deposit, less any allowable deductions, after the tenant vacates the unit. The rule is in NY Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108, as amended by the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (HSTPA). The 14-day rule applies statewide and is one of the shortest deposit deadlines in the country.

HSTPA reforms and the 14-day rule

Before HSTPA, New York followed a "reasonable time" standard for deposit returns. HSTPA replaced that with a hard 14-day deadline and significantly strengthened tenant protections. Under the current rule: the landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within the 14-day window, and failure to provide the itemization forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit. There is no statutory multiplier penalty in NY (unlike Texas or Colorado), but the forfeiture rule is itself a strong deterrent.

Pre-move-out inspection requirement

HSTPA also added a tenant right to a pre-move-out inspection. Before the tenant vacates, the landlord must provide written notice of the right to an inspection. If the tenant requests it, the inspection must occur within a reasonable time before move-out. The landlord must then provide an itemized statement of repairs needed. The tenant has the opportunity to make repairs before moving out to avoid deductions.

Deposit cap in New York

NY caps security deposits at one month's rent for residential leases (excluding rent-regulated apartments where existing pre-HSTPA deposits may exceed one month). Pet deposits, last-month-rent deposits, and other deposits cannot push the total above the one-month cap. Charging more than one month forfeits the excess.

How to use this calculator

Enter the move-out date, forwarding address date, and deposit amount. The calculator returns the New York 14-day deadline, your days remaining, and the forfeiture exposure if you miss the window. Use it to schedule the pre-move-out inspection, deduction documentation, and check delivery before the clock expires.

Frequently asked questions about New York security deposits

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New York?

Fourteen days, under NY Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108 as amended by HSTPA in 2019. The 14-day rule is one of the shortest deposit deadlines in the country, alongside Arizona, Hawaii, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Vermont.

What is the penalty if a New York landlord misses the deadline?

Failing to provide the itemized statement and refund within 14 days forfeits the landlord's right to retain any portion of the deposit. There is no statutory multiplier in NY (unlike TX or CO), but the full-forfeiture rule itself is a strong deterrent.

What is the maximum security deposit in New York?

One month's rent under HSTPA. Pet deposits, last-month-rent deposits, and other deposits cannot push the total above the one-month cap. Charging more than one month forfeits the excess amount.

Does New York require a pre-move-out inspection?

Under HSTPA, the landlord must offer the tenant a pre-move-out inspection. The tenant must be given written notice of this right, and if requested, the inspection must happen before move-out. The landlord then provides an itemized statement of needed repairs, giving the tenant opportunity to cure before deductions are taken.

Do New York City or local ordinances change the deposit rules?

NYC follows state law on the 14-day return rule. Some rent-regulated apartments under the older deposit framework may have legacy higher deposits grandfathered in. Always check the specific lease and any rent-regulation status before relying on the 14-day rule for an older NYC tenancy.