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

In New York, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 14 days of move-out.

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in New York?

Small claims court in New York handles disputes up to Up to $10,000 in NYC ($5,000 city courts; $3,000 town/village courts).

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New York security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

14 days

Small claims limit

Up to $10,000 in NYC ($5,000 city courts; $3,000 town/village courts)

What you need to know

• Deposit due back within 14 days of move-out with an itemized statement.
• Miss the 14-day statement and the landlord forfeits the right to keep any of it.
• Deposits are capped at one month’s rent; you’re entitled to a walkthrough inspection before move-out.

Itemization: Itemized statement required with any deductions within 14 days.

Interest: Buildings with 6+ units: deposit must be held in an interest-bearing NY account; interest belongs to you.

Deposit cap: Capped at 1 month’s rent (HSTPA 2019).

If they wrongfully withhold: Willful violations: up to 2x the deposit. Missing the 14-day statement forfeits the right to keep any portion.

Statute: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: New York landlords must act within 14 days of move-out.

⚖️ Your leverage: wrongful withholding could cost your landlord up to $3,000 (Willful violations: up to 2x the deposit. Missing the 14-day statement forfeits the right to keep any portion.)

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in New York handles up to Up to $10,000 in NYC ($5,000 city courts; $3,000 town/village courts) — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

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⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

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DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.