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Posted Feb 9th, 2012
What are the laws regarding giving keys back to landlord?

Additional Details:
I was the tenant of an apartment. I moved out 2 weeks ago. My landlord (who was also my roommate --
I was subletting the apartment from her) has not given me my security deposit back. I also kept the
keys to the apartment because we were very rushed to clean and wanted to go back in to continue
cleaning at a later date. I have every intention of returning the keys, after she returns my
security deposit. My question is, is there a law that states that you have to give the keys at the
date you exit the premises? What are the laws surrounding returning keys to the landlord? Thank you.
Legal Topic Area: Landlord and Tenant Law in NY

Keys are only a symbol that you are giving up possession. I know of no law that required that keys be sent to the landlord at the time of vacatur. The failure to give the keys does mean that you haven't vacated the premises.

If you are in breach of your agreement and left before the end of your term, your landlord can hold or apply your security to meet your lease obligations. If you are fully paid and have no other financial responsibilities (including repairs to your space) to your landlord, then your security should be returned.

Walter S. Jennings


Answered on Feb 10th, 2012 at 1:50pm