New York · Security Deposit Law
New York Security Deposit Law: 14 days Return Rule
New York's security deposit law (N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law Section 7-108) requires landlords of buildings with six or more units (or newer buildings of any size) to return your deposit within 14 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions. Missing this deadline triggers an automatic penalty: the landlord owes you twice the deposit amount.
Key fact: New York landlords (buildings with 6+ units built after 1974) must return deposits within 14 days, or owe you double.
Return deadline
14 days
Statute
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law Section 7-108
Small claims limit
$10,000 ($5,000 in NYC Small Claims Court)
New York Security Deposit Penalty
Penalty: 2× the deposit amount
Under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law Section 7-108(1-a)(e), failure to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 14 days entitles you to double the amount of the deposit as a penalty.
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Auto-filled with N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law Section 7-108, the 14 days deadline, and the penalty clause. Formatted for USPS Certified Mail. Instant PDF download.
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New York Security Deposit FAQs
How long does my New York landlord have to return my security deposit?▾
14 days from the date you vacate, for buildings with 6 or more units built after 1974. The landlord must also provide an itemized written statement of any deductions. N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law Section 7-108(1-a).
What is the penalty if my New York landlord doesn't return my deposit?▾
Failure to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 14 days entitles you to double the deposit amount. NYC Small Claims Court handles up to $5,000; county-level small claims courts handle up to $10,000.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter?▾
No. The 14-day rule and double-damages provision under Section 7-108 are straightforward enough to invoke with a demand letter. Many tenant rights clinics in New York can also help at no cost.
Does a demand letter actually work to get my deposit back?▾
Yes. The automatic double-damages penalty makes non-compliance expensive. A formal letter citing Section 7-108(1-a)(e) and giving a 10-day response deadline routinely prompts return of the deposit.
Security deposit laws by state
Deadlines and statutes change. Always verify with your local court or legal aid before acting. kweldoc is a document drafting tool, not a law firm.