Landlords can't also ask for last month's rent, and must return it within 14 days.
From N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law art. 7, tit. 1, read Oct 6, 2026.Show the law
“At the beginning of their tenancy, all tenants can be required to give their landlord a security deposit, but it is limited to no more than one month’s rent …”
This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.
New York lawIn force
NY security deposit cap, handling and return rules (HSTPA 2019; GOL art. 7, tit. 1)
How big can the deposit be?
Max 1 month's rent.
Landlords can't also ask for last month's rent, and must return it within 14 days.
Who it covers
Exemptions: Per the AG guide, 14-day return/itemization rules applied to non-rent-regulated units; DHCR fact sheet says protections extended to rent stabilized tenants effective 2025-11-15.
In force since
2019
The law, word for word
“At the beginning of their tenancy, all tenants can be required to give their landlord a security deposit, but it is limited to no more than one month’s rent …”
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law art. 7, tit. 1 · ag.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026