New York landlords have 14 days to return your security deposit. Learn what happens if they miss the deadline and how to recover what you're owed.
Analyze My New York Claim (Free)Law verified March 11, 2026
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Check My DepositUnder New York GOL §7-108, your New York landlord has 14 days to return your security deposit from the date you move out. This deadline applies regardless of whether your landlord believes deductions are owed. If they want to make deductions, they must still respond within this window with an itemized written statement.
The 14-day clock starts on your move-out date.
Note: New York's deposit return rules have some case-by-case complexity. The deadline and penalty rules above represent the general standard under New York GOL §7-108, but specific circumstances, such as disputed move-out dates, lease terms, or property type, may affect your claim. Our free analysis accounts for these variables.
Deadline
Under New York GOL §7-108, your New York landlord has 14 days to return your security deposit from the date you move out. This deadline applies regardless of whether your landlord believes deductions are owed. If they want to make deductions, they must still respond within this window with an itemized written statement.
The 14-day clock starts on your move-out date.
Complexity note: Note: New York's deposit return rules have some case-by-case complexity. The deadline and penalty rules above represent the general standard under New York GOL §7-108, but specific circumstances, such as disputed move-out dates, lease terms, or property type, may affect your claim. Our free analysis accounts for these variables.
Under GOL §7-108(1-a)(e), a landlord who misses the 14-day deadline forfeits the right to any deductions. Even legitimate charges become uncollectable once the deadline passes.
The statute of limitations to file a claim in New York is 3 years from the date of the violation. Do not delay. Document everything and act promptly.
Questions
Your New York landlord has 14 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by New York GOL §7-108.
If your landlord misses the 14-day deadline, they forfeit the right to withhold any portion of your deposit under GOL §7-108(1-a)(e), even deductions that might otherwise have been valid.
No. New York law under New York GOL §7-108 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.
The 14-day clock starts on your move-out date under New York GOL §7-108. Your landlord must return the full deposit or a partial amount with an itemized statement within this window.
The 14-day deadline under New York GOL §7-108 is generally calculated as calendar days, including weekends and holidays. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, some courts may extend to the next business day, but it is safest to treat the deadline as calendar days.
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