Renting on Long Island: Security Deposit Rules for Move-In and Move-Out
Moving into or out of a Long Island rental? What New York law says about the deposit limit, the 14-day return and the move-out…
Updated October 11, 2026
The first weeks in a new home are busy, and a few things on Long Island have deadlines. This checklist covers the paperwork and the utilities, with links to the official pages so you can check the current rules before you act.
Electric: PSEG Long Island
LIPA owns the electric transmission and distribution system on Long Island, and PSEG Long Island runs it day to day, including customer service, under a contract with LIPA. LIPA says it serves about 1.2 million customers. You can start, stop or move electric service online on the PSEG Long Island website. Keep the power on at the old home through moving day: the crew needs lights in hallways, basements and garages, especially late in the day.
Gas: National Grid
Gas on Long Island comes from National Grid. Its Long Island page asks you to call at least a week before you move, and to give 5 to 7 days notice so a crew member can come and turn the service on or off. Start, stop and transfer requests can also be made online. Water is supplied by local water districts and companies, so ask the seller or landlord which one serves your address.
Your NY driver license and car
If you already have a New York license, the DMV says you must change your address on your license, permit, non-driver ID and vehicle records within 10 days of moving. Changing your address with the post office does not update DMV records. When we checked, the DMV listed its online address change as unavailable and accepted form MV-232 by mail or at a DMV office; check the page for the current options.
Moving to New York from another state? The DMV says new residents must exchange an out-of-state license within 30 days of becoming a resident, and must register an out-of-state vehicle within 30 days, with proof of New York auto liability insurance.
Voter registration
New York lets you register or update your address online through the State Board of Elections portal with a NY.gov ID, or with a paper form sent to your county Board of Elections. An address change must be received at least 15 days before an election to count for that election.
File a change of address with USPS. The online request asks you to verify your identity, with a small fee. Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months, which gives you time to update banks, insurance and subscriptions one by one.
Common questions
How long do I have to change my address with the NY DMV?
The DMV says within 10 days of moving, for your license, permit, non-driver ID and vehicle records.
How long do new residents have to get a New York license?
The DMV says new residents must exchange an out-of-state license within 30 days of becoming a resident.
Who provides electricity on Long Island?
LIPA owns the grid and PSEG Long Island runs it, including customer service. Start, stop or move service on the PSEG Long Island website.
How much notice does National Grid need to turn gas on or off?
Its Long Island page asks for 5 to 7 days notice and suggests calling at least a week before you move.
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 DMV: How to change your address
- NY DMV: Exchange an out-of-state driver license
- NY DMV: Register an out-of-state vehicle
- NY.gov: Register to vote or update your registration
- USPS: Change of address and mail forwarding
- LIPA: About us
- PSEG Long Island: Start, stop or move service
- National Grid (Long Island): Start, stop or transfer service
More Long Island moving guides
- How to cancel utilities when moving
- Long Island movers guide: Nassau and Suffolk County
- Moving from NYC to Long Island
- Moving out of state? A checklist
- Renting on Long Island: Security Deposit Rules for Move-In and Move-Out
- Moving to Long Island With a Dog or Cat: Licenses, Rabies Shots and Moving Day
