Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New York?
Short answer
At a glance: 14 days
Return security deposit with itemized statement within 14 days of move-out
Deadline: Within 14 days after move-out
Return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out. If you keep any part for damage, give an itemized statement within 14 days or you must return the entire deposit.
"For tenants in units that are not rent stabilized or rent controlled, the landlord must return the security deposit within 14 days of the tenant moving out." ag.ny.gov
"If the landlord does not provide this receipt within 14 days of the tenant moving out, they must return the entire security deposit, whether there is damage or not." ag.ny.gov
Return security deposit with itemized statement within 14 days of move-out Verified
Deadline: Within 14 days after move-out
Return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out. If you keep any part for damage, give an itemized statement within 14 days or you must return the entire deposit.
Who it covers: Non-rent-regulated units. Rent-stabilized/controlled units: return at end of lease or within a reasonable time.
"For tenants in units that are not rent stabilized or rent controlled, the landlord must return the security deposit within 14 days of the tenant moving out." ag.ny.gov
"If the landlord does not provide this receipt within 14 days of the tenant moving out, they must return the entire security deposit, whether there is damage or not." ag.ny.gov
Notes: General Obligations Law § 7-108. NY statute text on nysenate.gov returned HTTP 403 to curl; rule sourced from the NY Attorney General's official guide instead. Tenant may request a pre-move-out inspection. Willful violation: up to twice the deposit. Deposit capped at one month's rent.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction