New York Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Since the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act, New York limits deposits to one month’s rent and caps late fees at $50 or 5% of the rent, whichever is less (N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 238-a). Deposits must come back within 14 days with an itemized statement.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in New York?
A New York landlord has 14 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit with an itemized statement of any deductions, or loses the right to keep any of it.
| Maximum Deposit | One month’s rent |
| Return Deadline | 14 days |
| Interest Required | Yes in buildings with 6 or more units |
| Itemized Statement | Required within 14 days |
| Statute Reference | N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 7-103, 7-108 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in New York?
New York has no statewide rent cap, but rent stabilization covers much of New York City and communities that adopted the Emergency Tenant Protection Act; increases of 5% or more need 30 to 90 days’ notice depending on tenancy length.
| Grace Period | 5 days before a late fee applies |
| Late Fee Limit | Lesser of $50 or 5% of monthly rent |
| Rent Control Status | Local option (NYC rent stabilization, ETPA localities) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30, 60 or 90 days for increases of 5% or more |
| Statute Reference | N.Y. Real Prop. Law §§ 226-c, 238-a |
How to Evict a Tenant in New York
A New York eviction for unpaid rent requires a written 14-day rent demand before filing; the Good Cause Eviction Law adds limits in New York City and localities that opt in.
| Non-Payment Notice | 14-day written rent demand |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30, 60 or 90 days depending on tenancy length |
| Statute Reference | N.Y. RPAPL § 711; N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 226-c |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in New York?
New York has no statute setting a notice period; reasonable notice and the lease terms govern.
| Notice Required | Reasonable notice; follow the lease |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
What Must a New York Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Sprinkler system disclosure in the lease (N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 231-a)
- Name of the bank holding the deposit (N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-103)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in New York?
Every New York residential lease includes a warranty of habitability; a tenant can seek a rent abatement when a landlord fails to maintain livable conditions.
What New York landlords must maintain
- • Keep the unit fit for human habitation (N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 235-b)
- • Maintain conditions free of hazards to life, health or safety
What a New York tenant can do
- • Rent abatement for breach of the warranty of habitability
- • Housing court proceeding to compel repairs
| Statute Reference | N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 235-b |