Relocation · Reinvent NY glossary
A security deposit is an upfront payment by a tenant to the landlord, held as protection against property damage or unpaid rent. In New York State, the maximum security deposit is limited to one month's rent (as of 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act). Landlords must hold deposits in interest-bearing accounts and return them within 14 days of lease termination, minus documented deductions. In other states, deposits may equal 1-3 months' rent. For foreign renters without US credit history, some landlords may request additional upfront rent payments instead of higher deposits.
The four states international buyers ask about most: New York up 5.2% on the year, California at a 4.22% yield, and what Texas and Florida really cost.
Indiana, Missouri and Ohio in 2026: state gains of 3-3.5% on the year with yields of 5.75-6.61%, and the secondary cities quietly outperforming the metros.
Baltimore in 2026: a $192,669 typical value, $1,799 rents and an 11.2% gross yield — the highest on the Northeast corridor, and what the price is telling you.
Ohio in 2026: a $251,502 state median up 3.5% on the year, with Cleveland at a 14.13% gross yield and Columbus at 6.96% — and what separates the two.
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