ReclaimDepositNew York Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
14 days
14 days after tenant vacates
Penalty
1x
Forfeiture of right to retain any portion
Small claims limit
$10,000
Small Claims Court
Requirements
Move-in checklistRequired
Pre move-out inspectionRequired/Available
Certified mailNot required
Forwarding addressNot required
Notes
- HSTPA 2019 limits security deposits to 1 month's rent
- Landlord must OFFER move-in inspection to tenant
- Buildings with 6+ units must pay interest on deposits
- Failure to provide itemized statement within 14 days forfeits ALL deductions
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.
- N.Y. GOL § 7-108(1-a) - Landlord must return deposit within 14 days
- N.Y. GOL § 7-108(1-a) - Landlord must provide itemized statement of deductions
- N.Y. GOL § 7-108 - Landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear
- N.Y. GOL § 7-108(1-a) - Failure to provide itemization forfeits right to retain any portion
- N.Y. GOL § 7-108 (HSTPA 2019) - Security deposit limited to 1 month's rent
- N.Y. GOL § 7-108 - Landlord must offer move-in inspection and walk-through on request
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.