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New York rules at a glance
Six rules that shape most New York matters. Know these first, then open the guide or document for your situation; the pins spread them over the map so they are easy to read.
Divorce
- Divorce residency1–2 years
- Generally, either spouse must have lived in New York continuously for one year with a qualifying tie to the state, such as marrying here, or for two years without one. Other paths may apply.
- Source: Domestic Relations Law §230
- No-fault divorce6 months
- Generally requires a sworn statement that the marriage has broken down irretrievably for at least six months, with economic and child-related issues resolved before judgment.
- Source: Domestic Relations Law §170
Landlord & tenant
- Rent demand14 days
- Generally a written demand giving at least 14 days' notice before a landlord starts a nonpayment proceeding.
- Source: Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law §711
- Security deposits14 days
- Generally due back with an itemized statement within 14 days after the tenant vacates. A landlord who misses the deadline generally forfeits the right to keep any of it.
- Source: General Obligations Law §7-108
Civil disputes
- Small claims limit$10,000
- New York City Civil Court generally hears small claims of up to $10,000. City Courts elsewhere and the Nassau and western Suffolk District Courts hear up to $5,000, and Town and Village Courts up to $3,000.
- Source: New York Courts: small claims
Business formation
- LLC filing fee$200
- The Department of State fee for filing Articles of Organization is $200. Publication costs and a $50 Certificate of Publication fee generally apply.
- Source: New York Department of State: forming an LLC
Checked against New York statutes and official pages, October 2026. Laws change, and your facts, court, and local rules can change what applies. Confirm current law or ask an attorney before relying on a figure.
Every New York guide and document
35 step-by-step New York guides and 57 New York documents, grouped by area of law. Every link opens the New York version.
Real Estate Law
Guides · 8
Family Law
Guides · 8
Estate Planning and Probate Law
Employment Law
Business Law
Guides · 5
Civil Litigation
Small Claims Law
Guides · 1
Consumer Protection Law
Guides · 2
Documents · 1
Criminal Records Law
Guides · 1
Debt & Bankruptcy Law
Employment
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- Tell me what happened.
- My landlord kept my deposit after I moved out.
- Which New York county is this in?
- Kings County
- What would you like this document to do?
- Get the deposit back and an explanation of any deductions.
- Security deposit requestFirst draft ready to review
I am writing to request the return of my security deposit and an itemized list of any deductions.
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12. Security deposit. Landlord will refund the deposit, less deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear1, with an itemized statement of any amount kept, within 14 days after Tenant vacates the premises.
Does carpet wear from two years of normal living count as damage?
18. Default. If rent is late, Landlord may start a nonpayment proceeding only after serving Tenant a written demand giving at least fourteen days' notice2 to pay the rent or surrender the premises.
Can my landlord just text me the rent demand, or must it be served another way?
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