Housing & Rent · Surprise rank #15
Landlord Missed the 14-Day Deadline? You Just Won Your Entire Security Deposit Back
NY law requires landlords to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 14 days of move-out. If they miss it, they legally forfeit the right to keep *any* of it.
Who
Residential tenants after moving out, subject to the applicable state rule.
What to do
Start here: Send a written demand citing the 14-day rule, attach move-out evidence and file in small claims or contact the AG if needed.
Eligibility: Tenant must have vacated and provide a forwarding address; documentation of condition is important.
What you get
A New York landlord generally must return a residential security deposit and itemized deductions within 14 days after the tenant vacates; missing the deadline can forfeit the right to retain it.
Benefit: Return of the full deposit or a documented challenge to deductions.
Possible value: Usually one month's rent—often thousands of dollars.
Good to know
Important: Damage and unpaid obligations can support timely deductions; disputes may still require court.
Availability: Landlord deadline is generally 14 days after vacating.
Why people miss it: Tenants wait passively or believe landlords have 30–60 days.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026