How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit and what can they deduct?

Your landlord has 14 days after you move out to return your security deposit. If they make any deductions, they are required to provide a detailed breakdown explaining each charge. Additionally, the deposit could not have exceeded 1 month's rent when you originally paid it.

My landlord wants to evict me and is threatening to change the locks — what can I do?

Changing the locks or cutting services is considered an illegal eviction in New York and can be penalized by law. Your landlord cannot evict you on their own — they must obtain a court order. You have the right to defend yourself in Housing Court; you can call Housing Court Answers at 212-962-4795 for guidance.

My apartment has serious maintenance issues and my landlord won't fix them — what can I do?

You can report the problem by calling 311 in New York City and request an inspection from HPD (Housing Preservation and Development). In serious cases, the law allows you to withhold part of the rent, though it is recommended to do so only with legal advice to properly protect yourself.

Tenant rights in New York: complete guide 2025

New York strongly protects tenants

The state of New York, and especially New York City, has some of the most tenant-protective laws in the entire United States, thanks largely to the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019.

Security deposit limits

The deposit cannot exceed 1 month of rent

The landlord must return it within 14 days after you move out

They must give you an itemized breakdown of any deductions

Rent increases

In rent-stabilized apartments, increases are set annually by the Rent Guidelines Board

For other apartments, if the increase is 5% or more, the landlord must give advance notice (30 to 90 days depending on how long you have lived there)

Protections against eviction

The landlord cannot evict you on their own: they need a court order

Changing locks or cutting off utilities is an illegal eviction and can be penalized

You have the right to defend yourself in Housing Court

Repairs and habitability

The landlord must keep the apartment safe and habitable (warranty of habitability). If they do not:

Report it to 311 in New York City

Request an inspection from HPD (Housing Preservation and Development)

Withhold part of the rent in serious cases (with legal advice)

Prohibited charges and fees

Late payment fees cannot exceed $50 or 5% of the rent, whichever is less

Application fees are limited to $20

Resources in New York

311: to report housing problems in NYC

Housing Court Answers: 212-962-4795

Met Council on Housing: free advice for tenants

Your immigration status does not affect any of these rights.

Tenant rights in New York: complete guide 2025

New York strongly protects tenants

Security deposit limits

Rent increases

Protections against eviction

Repairs and habitability

Prohibited charges and fees

Resources in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

State guides

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