Renting · Troubleshooting
A deposit dispute is easier when the move-out record is complete.
Start with the lease, payment proof, condition photos, keys, forwarding address, and the owner's accounting. Then identify whether the home is ordinary, rent stabilized, rent controlled, or special housing before relying on a deadline.
Related guides and directories
Reviewed July 13, 2026. Deadlines, forms, account screens, and local office procedures can change. Keep the notice and use the current official instructions.
First move
Make one dated deposit file before arguing about the law: amount paid, move-out date, condition proof, amount returned, every deduction, and the owner or LLC that received the money.
Work the problem in this order
Preserve the move-out record
Keep the lease, deposit proof, move-in and move-out photos, inspection messages, keys receipt, forwarding address, rent ledger, and every itemized deduction or repair receipt.
Use the current rule, not an old summary
Most ordinary rentals have a 14-day return and itemization rule. New General Obligations Law section 7-107 extends similar protections to rent-stabilized leases, rental agreements, or renewals entered into on or after November 15, 2025. An older unrenewed rent-stabilized tenancy, rent-controlled housing, and certain special housing can follow a different rule, so confirm the tenancy and agreement date before relying on a deadline.
Ask for the accounting in writing
State the move-out date, amount paid, forwarding address, amount returned, and deductions disputed. Ask for the deposit balance and the documents supporting each deduction.
Identify the legal owner
If the building was sold or the owner used an LLC, use the lease, payment record, property record, and Attorney General guidance to identify the proper person or entity before filing a complaint or claim.
Choose mediation, complaint, or court
The Attorney General may mediate deposit complaints. Small claims can be another route, but court location, defendant name and address, dollar limit, proof, and collection prospects all matter.
Sources and review
Where this information comes from
New York Porch is a starting map. The current agency page, form, notice, record, or professional handling the matter controls the live answer.
- Last reviewed
- July 13, 2026
- New York Attorney General - Recovering rent security deposits - Evidence, owner changes, Attorney General complaint help, and small-claims routing.
- New York HCR - Leases and security deposits - The agency's November 15, 2025 effective-date notice for increased security-deposit rights.
- New York Senate - 2025 S.952-B - The signed bill's effective-date clause applies the new section to a lease, rental agreement, or renewal entered into on or after the effective date.
- New York General Obligations Law section 7-107 - Current deposit rules for rent-stabilized homes, including inspections, allowed deductions, and the 14-day return and itemization rule.
- New York General Obligations Law section 7-108 - Current deposit rules and exclusions for homes outside the rent-stabilized section.
- New York Courts - Small Claims Handbook - Court choice, monetary limits, filing basics, tenant-related venue, service, and local court contacts.
Use this carefully: Deposit timing and remedies can depend on rent-regulation status, the tenancy, and the current statute. This page is a record-building and routing guide, not legal advice.
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