New York's Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) of 2019 significantly strengthened deposit protections:
Deposit limits
Security deposits in New York are capped at one month's rent. This applies statewide — landlords cannot charge more regardless of the property type.
Return timeline
Your landlord must return the security deposit within 14 days after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement.
Key protections
- No more "last month's rent" — Landlords cannot collect both a security deposit and last month's rent advance
- Interest required — In buildings with 6+ units, landlords must deposit your security in an interest-bearing account and notify you of the bank and account number
- Itemized deductions — Any deductions must be itemized in writing
- Inspection rights — You have the right to a pre-move-out inspection
Rent-stabilized apartments
If you live in a rent-stabilized apartment in NYC, additional protections may apply, including limits on what can be deducted for renovations.
If your deposit isn't returned
You can sue in small claims court (up to $10,000 in NYC, $5,000 elsewhere in NY). Many tenants successfully recover their deposits plus court costs.