New York security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: 1 month of rent
Return deadline: 14 days
Interest: Required in some cases

Capped at one month's rent; within fourteen days after move-out the landlord must give an itemized statement and return the rest. Buildings with six or more units must hold it in an interest-bearing NY bank account. Rent-stabilized units follow the same rules for leases from mid-November 2025 (Ch. 436 of 2025).

Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(a), (e); § 7-103(2-a) · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

Maximum legal deposit

$2,500

Up to 1 month of rent under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(a), (e); § 7-103(2-a).

Return deadline

14 days

Within 14 days after the tenant moves out: an itemized statement of any amount kept plus the balance. A landlord who misses it forfeits the right to keep any part of the deposit.

Interest required

Yes

In some situations — see the note

New York: Capped at one month's rent; within fourteen days after move-out the landlord must give an itemized statement and return the rest. Buildings with six or more units must hold it in an interest-bearing NY bank account. Rent-stabilized units follow the same rules for leases from mid-November 2025 (Ch. 436 of 2025).

Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(a), (e); § 7-103(2-a) · read on 2026-11-09

New York: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New York?

Up to 1 month of rent under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(a), (e); § 7-103(2-a). Capped at one month's rent; within fourteen days after move-out the landlord must give an itemized statement and return the rest. Buildings with six or more units must hold it in an interest-bearing NY bank account. Rent-stabilized units follow the same rules for leases from mid-November 2025 (Ch. 436 of 2025).

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

14 days. Within 14 days after the tenant moves out: an itemized statement of any amount kept plus the balance. A landlord who misses it forfeits the right to keep any part of the deposit.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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