New York deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• 14 days.

  Your landlord has 14 days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized statement. Rent stabilized? Same rule.

  GOL §7-108(1-a)(e); §7-107(6)

• Miss it, lose it.

  If they don't send both the statement and the rest of your deposit in 14 days, they lose the right to keep any of it.

  §7-108(1-a)(e)

• Only four things.

  They can keep money for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities owed to them under the lease, and moving or storing your things. That's the list.

  §7-108(1-a)(b)

• Off limits.

  Normal wear and tear. Damage from the last tenant. Anything written down in a move-in condition agreement.

  §7-108(1-a)(b), (c)

• On them to prove it.

  If it's disputed, the landlord has to prove what they kept was reasonable. Doing it on purpose can cost them up to twice the deposit.

  §7-108(1-a)(f), (g)

• Interest.

  In buildings with six or more units, your deposit has to earn interest, and it's yours, minus a 1% yearly fee.

  §7-103

Not covered here yet: Rent-controlled apartments.

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.