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Housing Rights Articles

Money & Deposits · New York

New York Security Deposits: One-Month Limit, Inspections, Deductions, and Return

A guide to deposit limits, move-out evidence, deductions, itemization, and demand letters.

Reviewed 2026-10-01

Apartment keys beside a security-deposit envelope and rental paperwork.
Rental keys and security-deposit documentation. View image source

Legal information, not individual legal advice

Housing rights can depend on notices, deadlines, local court procedure, housing program rules, tenancy status, and facts that are not captured in a general article. Urgent court, lockout, subsidy, or eviction matters should be reviewed promptly by qualified local counsel or legal aid.

Deposit amount

New York generally limits a residential security deposit to one month’s rent.

Move-out documentation

  • Request any inspection rights available to you.
  • Take dated photographs and video of every room.
  • Photograph appliances, floors, walls, fixtures, and keys returned.
  • Keep proof of forwarding address and delivery of your move-out notice.

Deductions

A landlord may claim legally permitted deductions, but ordinary wear and tear is different from tenant-caused damage. Preserve any itemized statement, invoices, photographs, estimates, and correspondence.

Return timeline

New York’s current statutory framework includes a 14-day return and itemization rule. Following a 2025 change, these protections extend broadly, including rent-stabilized tenancies.

Primary and authoritative sources

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Eviction Defense

New York Eviction Defense: What to Do From the First Notice Through Court

A step-by-step guide to nonpayment and holdover cases, court papers, evidence, defenses, judgments, warrants, stays, and emergency help.

Eviction Defense

New York Nonpayment Evictions: Rent Demands, Answers, Defenses, and Court Process

How New York nonpayment cases work, including the 14-day demand, tenant answer forms, ledgers, defenses, and payment-related evidence.

Eviction Defense

New York Holdover Evictions: Notices, Lease Termination, and Defenses

A guide to holdover cases involving lease expiration, termination, alleged violations, nuisance, occupants, and possession disputes.

Emergency Rights

Illegal Lockouts in New York: Emergency Steps for Lawful Occupants

What lawful occupants can do when locks are changed, belongings are removed, utilities are shut off, or force is used instead of court process.

Repairs & Conditions

New York Repairs and the Warranty of Habitability

How to document unsafe conditions, notify the landlord, use inspections, and seek repair orders under New York law.

Compliance

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