Renting on Long Island: Security Deposit Rules for Move-In and Move-Out

Updated October 11, 2026

Many Long Island moves start or end in a rental: an apartment, a condo or a house. New York law sets clear rules for security deposits. Knowing them, and planning moving day around them, helps you get your deposit back.

How much a landlord can ask for

The New York Attorney General’s tenant guide says a security deposit is limited to no more than one month’s rent. That also means a landlord cannot ask for last month’s rent and a security deposit. If the rent goes up when the lease is renewed, the landlord may collect more to bring the deposit up to the new monthly rent.

Where the money is kept

Landlords must treat deposits as money that belongs to the tenant and may not mix it with their own. In buildings with six or more apartments, deposits must be kept in a New York bank account that earns interest, and each tenant must be told in writing the bank name and address and the amount of the deposit. The landlord may keep 1 percent of the deposit a year for expenses; the rest of the interest belongs to the tenant.

Getting it back

For apartments that are not rent stabilized or rent controlled, the guide says the landlord must return the deposit within 14 days after you move out. If the landlord keeps any money for damage, they must give you an itemized statement of the damage and its cost within those 14 days; if they do not, they must return the whole deposit. A landlord may use the deposit for unpaid rent or for repairs beyond normal wear and tear. Rent-regulated apartments follow a different rule.

Ask for the move-out inspection

Before your move-out date you can ask the landlord to inspect the home, and you may be there. At that inspection the landlord must tell you what needs to be fixed or cleaned, so you have a chance to fix it first. Plan the inspection a few days before moving day, not on the day itself.

Moving day habits that protect your deposit

Take dated photos of every room when you move in and again when the home is empty. Ask your mover how they protect floors, stairs and door frames. If the building needs a certificate of insurance, request it early: we provide a COI on request. Leave the home clean and empty, with the keys returned the way the lease says.

Common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New York?

No more than one month’s rent, according to the New York Attorney General’s tenant guide.

How long does a landlord have to return my deposit?

For units that are not rent stabilized or rent controlled, 14 days after you move out.

Can I ask for an inspection before I move out?

Yes. You can ask the landlord to inspect before your move-out date and you may be present.

What if the landlord keeps money but sends no itemized statement?

The guide says that without the itemized statement within 14 days, the landlord must return the whole deposit.

Get your free estimate

Call (516) 246-5901 or send the quote form on our home page with both addresses, the floors, elevator or stairs, your date and your main items. Moving Service By Two Guys is part of A & A Alliance Moving Inc, a family business since 1999, licensed and insured: NYSDOT 34875, NJPM 000930, U.S. DOT No. 967970. More on our company facts page.

Rules and services change. We checked the official links on this page on October 11, 2026; confirm on the linked page before you act.

Official sources

NY Attorney General: Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide

More Long Island moving guides

Moving guides · October 11, 2026