New York Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Reviewed: 2026-03-03
Reviewer: ReclaimDeposit legal research team
Quick answer for New York renters
In New York, landlords generally must return the deposit or send a lawful itemized statement within 14 days. Penalty exposure can reach Forfeiture risk.
Requirements
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. Open each explainer for plain-English context.
Deposit return deadline
N.Y. GOL § 7-108(1-a) - Landlord must return deposit within 14 days
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionItemized deductions
N.Y. GOL § 7-108(1-a) - Landlord must provide itemized statement of deductions
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionNormal wear and tear
N.Y. GOL § 7-108 - Landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionForfeiture rules
N.Y. GOL § 7-108(1-a) - Failure to provide itemization forfeits right to retain any portion
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionDeposit limits
N.Y. GOL § 7-108 (HSTPA 2019) - Security deposit limited to 1 month's rent
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionPre move-out inspection
N.Y. GOL § 7-108 - Landlord must offer move-in inspection and walk-through on request
Explain this statuteOfficial section
Common New York dispute scenarios
Choose the scenario that matches your case to get state-specific next actions.
Landlord missed the deposit deadline
Use this path when your landlord returned the deposit late or failed to send any lawful itemized statement on time.
No itemized deduction statement
Use this path when money was withheld but no legally compliant itemized statement was provided.
Charged for normal wear and tear
Use this path when deductions include routine aging, ordinary use, or charges that should have been depreciated.
Evidence of landlord bad faith
Use this path when withholding appears intentional, reckless, or unsupported by evidence and statute.
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline, prepare a demand letter, and map your court path.