Moving Between Queens and Brooklyn: The BQE, New Truck Routes and Building Types
Moving between Queens and Brooklyn? Which roads moving trucks can use, the October 2026 truck route changes near Maspeth and Ridgewood, and building tips.
Updated October 11, 2026
Queens is a renters’ borough, and for most renters the security deposit is the biggest money question of a move. New York State law sets clear rules for it. This is general information from the law itself, not legal advice; for a dispute, talk to a tenant attorney or a tenant help organization.
How big a deposit can be
Under New York General Obligations Law section 7-108, a deposit or advance for the housing types the section covers may not be more than one month’s rent. The law lists exceptions, such as seasonal rentals, owner-occupied cooperative apartments and units under the old City rent control laws.
Ask for an inspection before you leave
After either side gives notice that the tenancy is ending, the landlord must tell the tenant in writing that the tenant can ask for an inspection before moving out. If you ask, the inspection happens no earlier than two weeks and no later than one week before the end of the tenancy, with at least 48 hours written notice of the date and time. After it, the landlord must give you an itemized statement of the repairs or cleaning that could be deducted, and the law gives you the chance to fix those things before the tenancy ends.
The 14-day rule after you move out
Within 14 days after you vacate, the landlord must give you an itemized statement of any amount kept and return the rest of the deposit. If the landlord does not provide the statement and the deposit within 14 days, the law says the landlord forfeits any right to keep any part of it. The landlord may not keep money for ordinary wear and tear. Give your forwarding address in writing so the statement reaches you.
Protect the apartment on moving day
Most deposit fights are about damage, so moving day matters. Ask your movers how they protect door frames, floors, hallways and the elevator. Take photos or a short video of every empty room after the truck is loaded, with the date. Return the keys the way your lease says and keep proof. Clean before the final walk-through; our move-out cleaning checklist covers each room.
A short timeline
Six weeks out: read the lease for notice and move-out rules, then give notice in writing. Three to four weeks out: ask for the pre-move-out inspection. One to two weeks out: fix small items, patch nail holes if the lease allows, and book the building elevator. Moving day: photos, keys, forwarding address. Fourteen days after: expect the itemized statement and the rest of the deposit.
Common questions
How long does a New York landlord have to return a security deposit?
Fourteen days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized statement of anything kept (General Obligations Law 7-108).
Can a landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
No. The law says the landlord may not retain any amount for ordinary wear and tear.
Can I ask for an inspection before I move out?
Yes. If you ask, it takes place between two weeks and one week before the tenancy ends, with at least 48 hours written notice, and you get the chance to fix the listed items before you leave.
What is the maximum security deposit in New York?
For the housing the law covers, no more than one month’s rent.
Get your written estimate
Call (718) 782-0272 or send the quote form on our home page with both addresses, the floors, elevator or stairs, your date and your main items. You get a written estimate before moving day. Astoria Queens Movers is part of A & A Alliance Moving Inc, a family business since 1999; licenses and history are on our company facts page.
Rules, tolls and city services change. The facts on this page come from the official sources listed below (checked October 11, 2026); confirm on the linked page before you book.
