Under NY's Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, Buffalo landlords cannot collect more than one month's rent as a security deposit and must return it within fourteen days of lease termination with itemized deductions.
NY HSTPA (2019) caps security deposits statewide at one month's rent for residential tenancies, applying fully to Buffalo rentals. Landlords must place deposits in escrow, provide written receipts, and offer tenants a pre-move-out walkthrough. After tenancy ends, landlords have fourteen days to return the deposit minus itemized deductions for damage beyond ordinary wear. Failure to return triggers forfeiture of all deduction claims plus potential punitive damages. Buffalo housing court enforces the rule, and tenants may also file complaints with the NY Attorney General's housing protection unit.
Withholding deposits beyond fourteen days without written itemization, or charging more than one month upfront, triggers forfeiture, treble damages, and potential AG enforcement under NY consumer protection law.
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