Key Takeaways
New York landlord-tenant laws are highly regulated, impacting rent, leases, and property management practices.
Security deposits are capped at one month’s rent and must be returned within 14 days with an itemized statement.
Tenants have strong legal protections, including habitability standards, anti-discrimination laws, and safeguards against illegal evictions.
Rent increases and evictions are restricted under Good Cause laws, requiring landlords to provide proper justification.
Understanding New York landlord-tenant law is essential for both property owners and renters. The state has strict housing regulations which significantly impact rental practices. Whether you own property in New York City, Buffalo, Albany, or elsewhere in the state, knowing these laws helps prevent disputes and ensures compliance.
Tenants also benefit from understanding their rights and responsibilities when renting. Because New York’s rental regulations can be complex, many property owners choose to work with an experienced property management company, like Real Capital Property Group, to help navigate legal requirements and manage their rentals effectively.
Required Landlord Disclosures in New York
New York law requires landlords to provide several disclosures to tenants before or during the tenancy. These disclosures help ensure transparency and prevent misunderstandings between landlords and renters.
Nonrefundable Fees
In New York, most upfront charges associated with renting are strictly regulated. Background and credit check fees are capped at a predetermined amount, and landlords must provide a copy of the report to the tenant.
If a tenant provides their own report from within the last 30 days, the fee must be waived. Furthermore, in New York City, broker fees for listings below a city-mandated price threshold must now be paid by the landlord rather than the tenant.
Security Deposit
Under New York law, residential security deposits cannot exceed one month’s rent. Landlords must store the deposit in a separate interest-bearing account (for buildings with 6+ units) and notify the tenant of the bank's name and address.
The deposit must be returned within 14 days after the tenant moves out. If the landlord fails to provide an itemized statement of deductions within this 14-day window, they forfeit the right to keep any portion of the deposit.
Rights of Domestic Violence Victims
Tenants who are victims of domestic violence in New York have specific protections. In many cases, they may be able to terminate a lease early without penalty if they provide appropriate documentation, such as a court order of protection. Landlords are also prohibited from discriminating against tenants because of their status as victims of domestic violence.
Owner or Agent Identity
Landlords must disclose the name and address of the property owner or managing agent. This ensures tenants know who is responsible for managing the property and where official notices or legal documents should be sent.
Move-in Checklist
Landlords are required to offer tenants the opportunity to inspect the premises before moving in.
If the tenant requests it, both parties must sign a written move-in inspection report describing the condition of the unit. This helps prevent disputes regarding damages when the tenant moves out.
New York Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Tenants in New York are protected by several important legal rights, but they also have responsibilities they must follow while living in a rental property.
The following are the basic New York renter’s rights. A tenant has the right to:
Live in a rental property that meets the Warranty of Habitability standards.
Be protected from housing discrimination.
Receive proper notice before a landlord enters.
Be protected from unreasonable rent increases.
File complaints with local housing authorities without fear of retaliation.
Be protected from illegal self-help evictions.
The following are the basic tenant responsibilities in the state of New York. A residential tenant must:
Pay rent on time and in full according to the lease or rental agreement.
Maintain the rental unit in a clean and safe condition.
Avoid damaging the property or allowing guests to cause damage.
Follow the rules outlined in the lease agreement.
Notify the landlord of maintenance issues or needed repairs promptly.
Respect neighbors and avoid creating disturbances.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can provide "Good Cause" for a landlord to seek eviction even in protected units.
New York Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
The following are the basic landlord rights in the state of New York:
Collect rent as specified in the lease agreement.
Require a security deposit of up to one month’s rent.
Take legal action if tenants fail to pay rent or violate a substantial obligation of the lease.
Enter the property for repairs or inspections with proper notice.
Refuse a lease renewal if a legal Good Cause exists.
The following are the basic landlord responsibilities in the state of New York. Landlords must:
Comply with all health and building codes.
Provide a Good Cause Notice with every lease or renewal stating whether the unit is exempt from rent caps.
Make necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
Return the security deposit and itemized list within 14 days of vacancy.
Follow strict legal eviction procedures.
An Overview of the Landlord-Tenant Laws in New York
Here are some of the other vital elements that make up New York’s landlord-tenant laws:
New York’s Housing Discrimination Laws
State law prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and familial status.
While the 2026 Appellate Division ruling (People v. Commons West) has challenged the state's ability to mandate Section 8 participation, many local NYC protections remain in active debate.
Tenant Privacy and Landlord’s Right to Enter
Landlords must provide notice and enter only during reasonable hours. While the law allows entry for repairs and inspections, it prohibits harassment or entry meant to intimidate the tenant.
The Condition, Maintenance, and Repairs
The Warranty of Habitability is non-waivable. Landlords must provide essential services like heat (during "heat season"), hot water, and a pest-free environment.
Rent Increase Limits
Under the 2024 Good Cause law, rent increases for covered units are capped at 5% + CPI or 10%, whichever is lower. Landlords must justify any increase above this "Local Rent Standard."
Required Landlord Disclosures
In addition to ownership and deposits, landlords must now disclose the "Good Cause" status of the unit in all lease-related documents.
Renters' Rights to Withhold Rent
Tenants may withhold rent or "repair and deduct" if a landlord fails to provide essential services, but this is a high-risk legal strategy. It is generally advised to deposit withheld rent into an escrow account.
Small Claims Lawsuits in New York
Small Claims Court remains an accessible venue for disputes involving sums up to $5,000 (or $10,000 in NYC) for issues like unreturned security deposits.
Bottom Line
New York landlord-tenant law contains detailed protections for both renters and property owners. Understanding these rules helps prevent legal disputes and ensures rental properties are managed responsibly.
For landlords, compliance is increasingly challenging due to the mandatory disclosure of ownership entities (LLCs) and evolving rent caps. Working with an experienced property management company like Real Capital Property Group can simplify these responsibilities while protecting your investment.
If you have specific questions, hire the services of a qualified New York attorney.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this blog is intended for general guidance and should not be considered as a replacement for professional legal advice. It is important to be aware that laws pertaining to property management may change, rendering this information outdated by the time you read it.