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New York Landlord-Tenant laws are highly regulated, and navigating these laws can be complicated. Yet, Landlords and property managers need to know applicable laws to ensure legal compliance and that their business runs smoothly.
Below is a practical overview of New York landlord-tenant laws and regulations to help property owners understand their rights and responsibilities.
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State of New York Lease Laws & Rental Agreement Requirements
New York Leases must contain basic terms, including the full names of all parties, the property address, the Lease term, the rent amount, the rent due date, and the security deposit amount.
The Lease must also include:
- Lead-based paint disclosure: Required for all properties built before 1978.
- Security deposit receipt: Stating the name and location of the bank where the deposit is being held.
- New York flood risk disclosure: Disclosing any prior flooding of the property and providing the Tenant with a flood insurance notice.
- New York fire sprinkler system disclosure: Disclosing whether or not there’s a sprinkler system in the unit.
- Bed-bug infestations: A disclosure of the one-year history of bed bug infestations.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide disclosures: Providing the Tenant with information about the presence and maintenance of these devices.
- Certificate of Occupancy: In buildings with 3 or fewer units where a certificate of occupancy is required, Landlords must provide Tenants with a valid certificate of occupancy before the Lease is signed.
- Window Guards (NYC): A notice about window guards if children under 10 live in the unit.
New York Security Deposit Laws and 2026 Requirements
How Much Can a Landlord Charge for a Security Deposit in New York?
New York Landlords cannot collect more than one month’s rent for the security deposit. This limitation applies to market-rate and rent-controlled rental units.
Where Must New York Security Deposits Be Held?
Landlords must keep security deposits in a separate bank account in a New York bank or banking institution.
Landlords of buildings with 6 units or more must put the security deposit in an interest-bearing account. Landlords may keep 1% annually to cover administrative costs, but the remaining interest must be returned to the Tenant.
When Must a Security Deposit Be Returned in New York?
Landlords must return the security deposit within 14 days of when the Tenant vacates the rental unit. If the Landlord makes any deductions, the Landlord must provide the Tenant with an itemized list of deductions.
Landlords may only make deductions for:
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Unpaid rent
- Unpaid utilities
Before moving out, Tenants may request an inspection and have an opportunity to make any necessary repairs.
New York Rent Payment Laws, Grace Period, Late Fees, and Rent Increase Notice Requirements
Rent is due on the date specified in the Lease Agreement. New York requires a 5-day grace period before charging late fees. This means rent is not considered late until at least 5 days after rent is due.
Landlords may charge a late fee of up to $50 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less.
Landlords must allow Tenants to pay rent through check, cash, or money order. However, if a check bounces, the Landlord may require certified funds going forward. If the Tenant pays rent in cash, the Landlord must provide a written rent receipt.
Landlords of market-rate units may increase rent at the end of the Lease term after giving proper notice. The amount of notice required varies based on how long a Tenant has occupied the rental unit:
- 30 days’ notice is required for tenancies of less than one year
- 60 days’ notice is required for tenancies of 1-2 years
- 90 days’ notice is required for tenancies of more than 2 years
Landlords of rent-controlled units must comply with applicable guidelines.
New York Landlord Rights and Responsibilities Under State Law
New York property owners have a legal duty to maintain rental units in a safe and habitable condition. New York Landlords must:
- Comply with the warranty of habitability, which requires property owners to ensure units are compliant with housing and building codes, fit for occupancy, and free from conditions that endanger the life, health, or safety of occupants.
- Make timely repairs and keep essential services – including heat, hot water, and electricity – in good working order.
- Promptly address safety issues like mold, pest infestations, and structural problems.
Landlords also have some distinct rights. New York Landlords have the right to:
- Collect rent in compliance with the Lease terms.
- Enter the property after providing adequate notice.
- Screen applicants in compliance with Fair Housing Laws.
- File an eviction complaint when a Tenant stops paying rent or violates the Lease.
New York Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
New York Tenants have strong legal protections to ensure fair and safe housing practices. NY Tenant rights include a right to:
- A rental unit that is safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation.
- Essential services, including heat and hot water.
- Privacy and reasonable notice before a Landlord or property manager enters.
- Fair treatment and freedom from housing discrimination.
- Protections against illegal evictions.
In conjunction with these rights, Tenants also have some responsibilities. Tenants must:
- Pay rent on time.
- Maintain the unit in a clean and sanitary condition.
- Comply with all Lease terms.
- Notify Landlords of needed repairs.
New York Eviction Laws and Notice Requirements
New York Landlords can only evict a Tenant for cause. When evicting for cause, Landlords must comply with all statutory and procedural requirements. The first step in the eviction process is issuing proper notice.
- For non-payment of rent, Landlords should issue a New York 14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit.
- For Lease violations, Landlords should issue a Notice to Cure. If the Tenant doesn’t cure the Lease violation, Landlords should issue a New York 30 Day Notice to Quit.
After filing the necessary notice, Landlords may initiate eviction proceedings.
New York Landlord-Tenant Law FAQs and Common Legal Questions for 2026
Is there statewide rent control in New York?
No, there is no statewide rent control in New York. However, many New York rental units are subject to rent control or rent stabilization laws.
Rent control applies to a limited number of apartments, which have been continuously occupied since before July 1, 1971. Rent stabilization applies to a larger number of units – primarily buildings with six or more units built before 1974 in New York City.
While there is no statewide rent control, Landlords must provide Tenants with written notice before increasing rent by 5% or more.
Landlords should check local laws and their unit’s classifications to ensure compliance with any rent increase regulations.
How much notice must Landlords give to end a month-to-month tenancy?
The amount of written notice a Landlord must give New York tenants with a month-to-month tenancy depends on how lon the Tenant has been in the unit. Landlords must give:
- 30 days’ notice for tenancies of less than one year
- 60 days’ notice for tenancies of at least one year but less than two years
- 90 days’ notice for tenancies of two years or more
The notice must be in writing, clearly state that the Landlord is terminating the tenancy, and provide the move-out date.
Can New York Landlords charge late fees?
Yes, New York Landlords may charge late fees. However, there are limits on the timing and amount of the fee.
- There is a 5-day grace period. Landlords may not charge a late fee unless rent is at least 5 days late.
- Late fees are capped at $50 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less.
Landlords should include late fee provisions in the Lease Agreement.
How much notice must Landlords give before entering a rental unit?
Landlords must give reasonable notice before entering the unit for non-emergency purposes. Generally, 24-48 hours’ notice is considered reasonable.
The entry must be during a reasonable time – often business hours – and for a legitimate reason, such as repairs, maintenance, inspection, or showing the unit to potential buyers or Tenants.
Landlords are not required to give notice to enter for an emergency, such as flooding, a fire, or any immediate safety hazard.
