Moving Out of a New York Apartment: How to Get Your Security Deposit Back
New York's 14-day rule, the move-out inspection you can ask for, and how to leave a rental so your deposit comes back. A plain…
Updated October 11, 2026
The first days in a new apartment are busy: boxes, furniture, internet. They are also a good time to check the things your landlord must provide in New York City, before a small problem becomes a winter problem. Here is a simple move-in walk-through based on official city and state sources.
Heat and hot water
In New York City, heat season runs from October 1 to May 31. Between 6 AM and 10 PM, when it is below 55 degrees outside, the inside temperature must be at least 68 degrees. Between 10 PM and 6 AM, it must be at least 62 degrees inside, whatever the weather. Hot water must be provided all year at a constant minimum of 120 degrees (NYC HPD: heat and hot water).
If you move in during heat season, check the radiators in every room on the first cold night. If heat or hot water is missing, contact the landlord first. If the landlord does not respond, you can file a complaint with 311 (NYC HPD: heat and hot water).
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Landlords of apartment buildings must install approved smoke detectors in each apartment, within ten feet of each room used for sleeping. In New York City, landlords must also provide and install an approved carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of the main entrance to each sleeping room. Tenants keep fresh batteries in the alarms and keep them in good repair (New York State Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide).
Press the test button on each alarm on move-in day. It takes a minute.
Window guards if you have young children
In buildings with three or more apartments, the owner must provide and install approved window guards when a child 10 years old or younger lives in the apartment, in the apartment windows and in the public hallway windows. Windows that open onto a fire escape are an exception, and guards may not be put on only some of the other windows (NYC Health: window guard general information (PDF)). Landlords must also install guards when a tenant asks for them (New York State Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide).
Tell the landlord in writing right away if young children live with you or visit for child care.
Lead paint in older buildings
Many NYC apartments are in buildings built before 1960, when lead paint was common. Under the city’s Local Law 1 of 2004, owners of these buildings must treat the paint as lead-based and find and fix lead paint hazards, especially in apartments where a child under six lives (NYC HPD: lead-based paint). If you have a young child, tell the landlord, and report peeling paint in writing.
Ask about heating bills before you sign
If a lease makes you pay your own heating and cooling bills, New York law lets you see the past two years of bills, or a summary of them, before you sign. They must be given free if you ask in writing (New York State Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide). It is a useful question when you compare apartments.
A move-in checklist
- Test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
- Run the hot water in the kitchen and the bathroom.
- Check that every window opens, closes and locks, and that guards are in place if you have young children.
- Photograph walls, floors and appliances before your furniture goes in, and keep the photos with your lease.
- Save the super’s and the management office’s phone numbers.
On moving day, decide where the large pieces go before the crew arrives, so they go straight to the right room. We take furniture apart and put it back together in the new apartment.
Questions we hear
When is heat season in New York City?
From October 1 to May 31. During the day the inside temperature must be at least 68 degrees when it is below 55 degrees outside; at night it must be at least 62 degrees, according to NYC HPD.
Who installs smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
The landlord installs approved alarms. The tenant keeps fresh batteries in them and keeps them in good repair.
Do I need window guards?
If a child 10 or younger lives in an apartment in a building with three or more apartments, the owner must install approved window guards. You can also ask for them.
How do I book a move into a new apartment?
Call (929) 232-3444 or use the quote form on our home page for a free written estimate.
Free written estimate: call (929) 232-3444 or use the quote form on our home page. Family business since 1999 · U.S. DOT No. 967970 (MC-432549) · NYSDOT 34875 · NJPM 000930 · Company facts
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Rules change. We read the official pages linked here in October 2026; check the linked page before you rely on it.