What are the time limits for returning security deposits?
The landlord must return the security deposit, less any lawful deduction, to the tenant at the end of the lease or within a reasonable time thereafter. A landlord may use the security deposit: (a) as reimbursement for the reasonable cost of repairs beyond normal wear and tear, if the tenant damages the apartment; or (b) as reimbursement for any unpaid rent.Usually, a ‘reasonable’ amount of time is in the neighborhood of 30-60 days; however, the definition of ‘reasonable’ is not up to you or us to decide.Ultimately, the return of your deposit would be decided by the Attorney General’s Office or a Small Claims Court judge. If you feel you have exhausted attempts to get your deposit returned through your former landlord, you may wish to contact the New York State Attorney General’s Office at (212) 416-8000.For more information on small claims court in New York City, see these two resources here and here as well as this guide (in pdf format*) on recovering rent security deposits and intere
The landlord must return the security deposit, less any lawful deduction, to the tenant at the end of the lease or within a reasonable time thereafter. A landlord may use the security deposit: (a) as reimbursement for the reasonable cost of repairs beyond normal wear and tear, if the tenant damages the apartment; or (b) as reimbursement for any unpaid rent. Usually, a ‘reasonable’ amount of time is in the neighborhood of 30-60 days; however, the definition of ‘reasonable’ is not up to you or us to decide. Ultimately, the return of your deposit would be decided by the Attorney General’s Office or a Small Claims Court judge. If you feel you have exhausted attempts to get your deposit returned through your former landlord, you may wish to contact the New York State Attorney General’s Office at (212) 416-8000. For more information on small claims court in New York City, see these two resources here and here as well as this guide (in pdf format*) on recovering rent security deposits and int
