Cal. Civ. Code § 7-109
Commencement of a proceeding or action by the attorney general to compel compliance
Operative Text
§ 7-109. Commencement of a proceeding or action by the attorney general to compel compliance. If it appears to the attorney general that any person, association, or corporation has violated or is violating any of the provisions of this title, an action or proceeding may be instituted by the attorney general in the name of the people of the state of New York to compel compliance with such provisions and enjoin any violation or threatened violation thereof. In connection with the institution of any such action or proceeding, the attorney general is authorized to take proof and make a determination of the relevant facts and to issue subpoenas in accordance with the civil practice law and rules. If in such action or proceeding, the court finds that a respondent has committed such violation the court in its discretion may award to the attorney general a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars with respect to each such respondent as costs of investigation.
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-109 establishes a state-level enforcement mechanism under which the New York Attorney General may bring a legal action or proceeding against any person, association, or corporation believed to be violating the security deposit provisions of this title. The Attorney General is empowered to gather evidence, take testimony, and issue subpoenas as part of that process. If a court finds a violation, it may order the violating party to pay up to $2,000 per respondent to cover the costs of the Attorney General's investigation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-109, operators who comply with the security deposit requirements of this title are not exposed to the state-level enforcement action this provision authorizes. Compliant landlords and property managers generally maintain accurate records of security deposit handling, keep funds in properly designated accounts, and follow all applicable return and accounting requirements — practices that reflect the kind of conduct the Attorney General's office would look for when evaluating whether a violation has occurred. Being prepared to demonstrate compliance through documentation is a hallmark of well-managed rental operations in New York.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-109 gives tenants an indirect but meaningful enforcement backstop: the New York Attorney General has the authority to investigate and take legal action against landlords or other parties who violate the security deposit rules in this title. Tenants who believe their security deposit rights have been violated may consider reporting the conduct to the Attorney General's office, which has subpoena power and can seek court-ordered compliance. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help individuals understand how this provision fits alongside other remedies that may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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