Q: Can a landlord contract out (eg lease says 60 days) of the NYC law to return a security deposit in 14 days?
A: In New York, state law mandates that a landlord must return a security deposit within 14 days after the tenant has vacated the property. Even if a lease agreement states a different duration, such as 60 days, provisions that attempt to waive or diminish a tenant's rights under the law are generally unenforceable. Thus, in NYC, a landlord cannot contract out of the 14-day requirement to return a security deposit.
Steven Warren Smollens agrees with this answer
A:
Dear Manhattan Tenant
No. This is a Statewide law. Private lease agreements that are contrary are without any legal effect.
Peter J. Weinman agrees with this answer
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