Deposit questions come up here constantly, so here's the short version of New York's rules (General Obligations Law 7-108, mostly from the 2019 tenant protection law).

Before you move in - The deposit can't be more than one month's rent. - Take dated photos and video of every room, inside appliances, and under sinks. Email them to yourself. - In buildings with 6 or more units, the landlord has to keep your deposit in an interest bearing account at a New York bank and tell you which bank.

Before you move out - You can ask the landlord for an inspection before you leave. The point is to get a list of what they'd charge you for, so you can fix it or clean it yourself first. - Give your forwarding address in writing. - Take the same photos and video again on your way out.

After you move out - The landlord has 14 days to return your deposit with an itemized statement of anything they kept. - If they miss the 14 days or don't itemize, they lose the right to keep any of it. - They can only deduct for unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and a few specific costs like moving or storing stuff you left behind. Faded paint, small nail holes, and normal wear on floors aren't damage. - If a landlord willfully breaks these rules, a court can award up to twice the deposit on top of the deposit itself.

If you don't get it back 1. On day 15, send a short letter or email citing GOL 7-108, asking for the full deposit by a specific date. 2. If that doesn't work, file in small claims. NYC small claims covers up to $10,000, the filing fee is $15 or $20, and you don't need a lawyer. Bring your photos, the lease, and proof of when you moved out. 3. You can also file a complaint with the NY Attorney General's office.

For roommate situations where the deposit went to another tenant and not the landlord, it's messier, and small claims is usually the route.

If anything here is off or you've been through small claims for a deposit, add it below.

I signed a lease for an NYC apartment last week, and my landlord is now saying I can’t have my ESA. The building has more than four units, there are other barking dogs in the building, and we even met a current resident who has an ESA.

Instead of responding to me in writing, the landlord called my roommate and said, “I wish you told me this before you signed the lease,” basically implying that my ESA wouldn’t be allowed, because they wouldn't have approved us had they known.

From what I understand, NYC and federal fair housing laws may protect my right to a reasonable accommodation. Has anyone dealt with something similar?

I’m also worried about pushing this further because I don’t want the landlord to dislike us and subsequently neglect maintenance or other responsibilities. I don’t want to start a conflict with someone who controls our living situation, but I also don’t want to be taken advantage of.

What would you do in this situation?

i rented the BlueGround for one year in New York which included a harsh winter. after paying 50% above market price, there was no heating in the apartment. And to solve the problem, they sent me a $17 heater off Amazon. whenever I submitted a ticket through Blueground, nothing ever happened. I had to go search for the maintenance team myself and tell them in person.

they never communicated the fact that the building was actually in construction when I rented it, which by New York law is illegal.

when I asked for a discount or anything extra, the answer was simply no. then they offered to move me to a different place and it just so happened that that place was even more expensive. But they said the "moving is free" as in I still have to move my own stuff.

to top it off, I wanted to extend for another 30 days. That wasn't possible. They offered me a different location. I said yes. Because of my work I didn't have time to search for something nice. so I went and moved all my belongings to the new location only to find out that the new location has not been working with Blueground for a while now. The property manager was very surprised to see me with all my bags in front of the building on the other side of town.

after calling Blueground, they blamed their partner even though there was no mention of a partner on the app. they offered me a one-night hotel stay which I didn't take, but I said I should be reimbursed for the moving costs of taking all my stuff across town. the answer was simply no, we're not reimbursing anything, even though they took five thousand dollars, which they still didn't get back.

i wrote the CEO multiple times on LinkedIn, and he does read the messages, because I see he reads, but he never answers. customer support is incapable of giving any straight answer related to anything.

this is the scammiest service that there is.

Hi all! I'm moving to NYC from Raleigh and looking for a room in a shared apartment starting around Nov 1 (flexible to mid-November).

Budget: $1,200–1,700/month

Area: Bushwick, Ridgewood, Bed-Stuy, or anywhere along the L, J, M, Z, but open to other areas for the right place

Visiting: I'll be in the city Oct 24–27 and can see places in person

A bit about me: I work remotely, I'm clean, respectful of shared space, and pretty easygoing. No pets, non-smoker. I'm moving up partly to dive into the improv and standup scene, so I'm out at shows or jams some evenings. I'd love roommates who are friendly and up for the occasional hang, but I'm great with everyone doing their own thing too.

If you have a room opening up or know of one, feel free to comment or message me. Thanks!

Hi, I need advice on what to do. I signed a lease for an apartment and was not able to move into until 3 weeks after it started. Within the 3 weeks, we have been moving a few things into the apartment like a couple pieces of furniture. Upon move in, the first day of getting to the apartment, there were 2 cockroaches in the fridge. 1 dead, 1 alive, we don’t have any food or anything in the apartment yet. And it was very clean when we got there so there’s nothing that could even be attracting them. We had the exterminator come and they said there was no active infestation but he sprayed and sealed, etc and they said we have to wait 2 wks for treatment to take effect. 2 days later, we spotted another one crawling out of the wall. Again, we have no food or anything in the apartment yet, we’ve barely moved anything in and made sure to throw out cardboard boxes.

Since this experience, we have gotten in contact with another person in the building who lives in a completely different floor and section of the building and he said that he has had them for months the extermination didn’t work and they still see a few everyday so he is moving out when his lease ends and he’s heard other people have them too, but he’s only heard on his apartment line. My apartment line is totally opposite his so I feel like this is a building wide problem. Should we wait and see if the treatment works and hope for the best, or should we immediately look into terminating the contract?

This is a relatively new high rise building (built within the last 10 years) and it’s a luxury building, it’s 6k for a 1 bed 1 bath. I just feel like the price and type of building is way too much to be having this issue upon moving in. I can’t even imagine when we start bringing food into the apartment.
This makes it more upsetting too bc if i was going to be dealing with this issues I would’ve picked somewhere cheaper to live.

Hi! Please help!! I’m in search for a 1 bd apartment to live in or a roommate to start a 2bedroom search with! (I’ve already found some 2 beds).

Budget is $2.5k for a 1 bed and $1.7k for a roommate situation. If you know any buildings with openings or any landlords, please comment or send me a text!!

I prefer somewhere in Manhattan but am open to Queens and Brooklyn and Astoria as well!

23M moving to NYC looking for 2-3 roommates for manhattan, or Williamsburg or Bushwick along the L

if anyone else needs the L train for their commute and need to move in November 1st please DM me and I can introduce myself!

- Budget $1500-1800 per room

- Must be full time working professionals with all the papers ready + guarantor

LOCATIONS: anywhere in manhattan that does not break $1800 for my room, Williamsburg (L), Bushwick (L), queens only if directly near subway. Prospect Heights near 2/3 trains.

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The landlords are getting foreclosed on. Fun times for tenants...

I, my partner and our cat have been in Inwood for 12 years. We would like to stay.

Our Budget: 2500
Our Income: 150k annually

Any help with listings, recommendations and who to talk to would be wonderful.

NO Roomates ✨✨

Hello everyone! I need a RELIABLE subletter for this BK apartment. Apartment comes as shown with furniture. Not including utilities (internet, electricity and gas).

Full transparency - this is an older, pre-war apartment, so some general wear and tear is to be expected. There are also occasional water bugs in the kitchen (maybe a couple a year, at most) and the apartment can get a bit chilly during the winter months, so a space heater may be helpful.

I want to be upfront about these details so there are no surprises! If any of these are dealbreakers for you, this apartment may not be the best fit.

Please feel free to PM me if you’re interested or have any questions!

Blessings to you all! ✨

Looking to sublet my East Village studio from mid-November until the lease expires at the end of August 2027. You could sign a new lease at the end of the term. Unit is not rent stabilized but management raises rent <5% historically. Preference for subletting it fully furnished but I can take some / all furniture out depending on your preference.

Key points:

• Rent is $3300 monthly
• Pre-war building with elevator
• ~400 square feet (my estimate) with an alcove kitchen with lots of cabinets and full-sized dishwasher
• In-unit washer/dryer (!)
• Comfortably fits a queen bed, small desk/chair, large sofa, full coffee table, and TV/TV stand.
• One big closet that can also fit a bunch of clothes.
• Three large windows facing north with unobstructed sunlight (!)
• Excellent location between 1st and 2nd Ave (can provide specific location details privately).
• Responsive super and management

I've lived here for a year and have not had any issues at all (e.g., radiator, water, cockroaches, nose, neighbors, etc.). I'm only moving because I'm moving in with my partner.

Management is allowing me to sublease the unit versus transferring the lease, so we'd work out everything between us. No management, broker, etc. involved. I'm detail-oriented, responsive, and easy to work with.

Please DM me if you're interested in seeing more pics/videos, location info, details on qualifying, or any other questions. Happy to set up an in-person tour, as well. I'm looking to hand over the apartment in mid- to late November, so there's some time but I'd like to move quickly.

Looking for someone to take over my studio apartment lease in kips bay/gramercy area! Nov. 1 start. Rent is $3550/month. The lease goes through July 2027 with the option to renew. Fully updated studio with dishwasher and washer/dryer. Quite street, safe and young area. My wife and I have lived here for 3 years and have absolutely loved it, we’re just looking for more space now. Dm me if interested/with any questions! Most furniture pictured is also available for purchase!

FiDi Room Lease Takeover Dec 1

Hi!

I was fortunate to receive a housing lottery assignment and am looking to sublet my current bedroom in a 2b2b in FiDi. You would also have your own bathroom. I’ve genuinely loved this apartment and would have stayed much longer had I not gotten this opportunity.

Dates: Move-in date Dec 1. Lease is through the end of February with option for a lease takeover.

Location: 5 minute walk from Fulton station. Easy access to 4,5, A,C, 2,3, J lines. On Gold street.

Building: doorman, elevator, rooftop, gym, laundry in building

Rent: $2850 for your share, \~$100 per month average utility cost for share. $2850 refundable security deposit. Happy to sell ALL existing furniture in room.

Roommate: Mid 20’s male working in finance. Ideally would like another 20’s male, and unfortunately no pets.

Documents for Sublease Approval (handled with building management)
Photo ID
Social Security Card
Email Address
Phone number
Three (3) recent pay stubs
Three (3) recent bank statements
Recent credit report
2025 W2
2025 Tax Return

Please reach out with any questions and a small introduction about yourself. I’d be happy to send more photos or do a FaceTime of unit. I’d like to try and get approval ASAP so I can start planning for my move. $115k income required for verification.

Thanks!

Being relocated for my job and need to find a subleaser for my apartment. It’s a 1BR 1 Bath at West End Towers.

Lease would start 11/20, potential for earlier move-in.

The lease amount would be 6+ months at $4850/month. Can share a video of the apartment to those who are interested as well.

Building information: Fully renovated in 2022, this 1,000-unit high-rise consists of four soaring towers that offer outstanding views and thoughtful layouts. A newly built fitness center takes center stage and complements other amenities like the children’s playroom, children’s outdoor playground, parking, bicycle storage and a complimentary shuttle bus to Columbus Circle & Lincoln Center. An indoor pool, lounge, game room and outdoor seating area has recently been added to the amenities offered exclusively to West End Tower’s residents.

Here is a link to 3D Tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=vsqQ8STM7Uz

Please reach out if you’re interested!

Hey I'm Kai and I am Currently searching for apartments in the Washington Heights area looking one other person for a 2br/1b apartment in Washington Heights for Nov 1st move in around the 3200 range. Would be about 1600/1700 a room each.

About Me:

-30 years old

-Work as maintenance in times square -Budget around 1600

-Have guinea pigs that are in a cage in my room.

-Likes video games, concerts, movies, basketball,

-Clean and quite. Work nights so you'll barely see me.

Looking for someone that is easy to get along with, somewhat clean, and responsible.

If this sounds like a good fit for you feel free to send me a DM.

Hey folks,

I’m in search of a studio/1-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn (neighborhoods below) targeting a lease date of Nov 15-Dec. I’m mostly interested in a traditional 1-2 year lease, but also interested in a sublease or a lease takeover as long as I can renew the lease between November and February.

About Me:

I am a software engineer with excellent credit (> 740), robust savings, and strong, verifiable income. I can provide all standard NYC leasing documents, bank statements, and landlord references immediately. I’m clean, quiet, and very easy to work with for a smooth management approval or tenant handoff.

My Criteria:

Budget: $2400 – $3,200/month maximum.

Location: Bed-Stuy/Clinton Hill/Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, PLG, Bushwick if it’s right).

Space Requirements: The Unit must feature laundry on site. In-Unit laundry is a bonus for me.

The bedroom must comfortably fit a queen-sized bed and a dresser with solid closet/storage space.

Kitchen: Looking for a clean, functional kitchen (bonus points for a dishwasher!).

If you have a place that matches, or if you are looking to break your lease early, please DM me with details, photos/videos, and the layout.

Rego Park, Queens.
Available Dec 1st but flexible on date. Water/gas included. Laundry in building and furnished roof.

$2,856/ month

Message me if interested

$4,850/mo

Posting a 1-bedroom loft in Midtown East.
The owner is relocating abroad and is looking to have the apartment occupied by

November 15th.

The apartment is renovated, furnished, and has a pretty spacious layout with a separate sleeping loft.

A few details:
$4,850/month — no broker fee
1 bed / 1 bath
Furnished
Water, gas, and internet included
Central AC
Pet-friendly
24-hour doorman, rooftop deck, laundry, and elevator
It’s a full-service building in a convenient part of Midtown East.

I’m a licensed NYC real estate agent helping coordinate showings for the unit. Happy to share photos, additional details, or arrange a private tour.

Feel free to DM me if interested

Hi! I’m looking for someone to take over our lease starting November 15. The lease runs through July 31.

If the move-in date works out and you make a quick decision and complete the lease signing with management, we’re willing to offer one month of free rent at our own expense, independently of management. It would be net $2955.88/month.

🏡 Beautiful 1 Bed / 1 Bath Apartment in Forest Hills – $3,350/month
We live in a beautiful, modern luxury building that’s just over 3 years old. The apartment is in excellent condition, with clean, well-maintained appliances that all work perfectly.

✨ Apartment Features:
In-unit washer and dryer
Dishwasher and large oven
Spacious living room
Floor-to-ceiling windows with great natural light throughout the day

🏢 Building Amenities:
Gym
Doorman
Package room
Resident lounge
Outdoor terrace
Beautiful rooftop terrace with BBQ grills
The amenity fee is $75 monthly, but it is currently waived under my lease.

🛒 One of the best perks: Trader Joe’s is right downstairs! You can even access the store through the building on rainy days, which is incredibly convenient.

🌳 Why Forest Hills?
Forest Hills is a peaceful, family-friendly neighborhood with great schools and a welcoming atmosphere. The apartment is also close to Austin Street, where you’ll find plenty of great restaurants, cafes, and shops.

We’ve been very happy living here, but due to a change in circumstances, we need to move.

If you’re interested or would like more details and photos, please feel free to DM me! 😊

Landlord requirement:
Credit score +650
40x rent income
TheGuarantor would be accepted

Hello,

I am looking for an studio/1BR apartment or looking to move into a room with a right roommate.

My budget is $2750 and looking mostly everywhere besides upper and lower Manhattan as I will be working in Midtown.

Lastly, I got scammed on Streeteasy so will not be paying anyone for a rental application before viewing the apartment thanks.

Hi! I’m looking for a one bedroom apartment or studio (or even roommates) for an apartment in Manhattan in midtown-downtown (basically anything under 59th st) I live in central Harlem now, and would like to be closer to my job. Happy to meet people beforehand for a coffee and show references/rental history.

I would move in mid-December to early January (negotiable).

Open to lease breaks, lease takeovers, new apartments.

Preferences: dishwasher and w/d (either in building or in unit) - but 1000% able to go without for the right price.

Cost: preferably <3000 / month or if utilities are included 3500.

Guarantor: yes- have one!

I know this is a tall order, but I’m hoping I can snag something :) thanks!

I'm subletting my apartment starting December 1 because my company is going to lay off and I'm going to stay with my girlfriend for a bit.

This is a true grown-up apartment — we have the whole floor, three full closets, a responsive super, and space to spread out.

If you're moving to the city, working from home, or need a place to make content, this spot has been awesome.

The apartment is on a quiet block of Saint Marks (at 1st Ave), and the bedroom faces a courtyard that no one uses. It's even quieter than my old apartment on 22nd and Park in Gramercy.

Highlights:

• ~750 sq ft with 13 ft ceilings, 1 bed 1 bath

• Very quiet; backyard faces a courtyard

• 3 large closets with tons of storage

• Bathtub and towel warmer

• Walking pads to be skinty legends for next summer

• 5-minute walk to the L train; 10-minute walk to Astor Place

• Available Nov 15th to March 1

• Official sublet through building management

• $4,450/month or best offer, already below my $4,750/month lease cost, which I can document

If you're interested, send me a message with a little about yourself, your desired move-in date, and how long you're looking to stay. Happy to answer questions or schedule a tour!