New York Lease Agreement PDF
New York at a glance: Security Deposit Limit: 1 month's rent (HSTPA 2019) · Deposit Return Deadline: 14 days after tenancy ends · Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month: 30 days (under 1 year); 60 days (1–2 years); 90 days (2+ years)
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Lease Agreements in New York
New York has some of the strongest tenant protections in the United States, codified in the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (HSTPA). The law significantly strengthened tenant rights regarding security deposits, application fees, lease renewals, and eviction procedures.
New York City and many municipalities have rent stabilization and rent control programs that impose additional requirements. In New York City, over one million apartments are subject to rent stabilization, which limits annual rent increases and requires lease renewals.
Security deposits are capped at one month's rent for most residential tenancies statewide (under HSTPA). Deposits must be returned within 14 days of the tenancy ending.
New York Lease Agreement — Quick Reference
| Requirement | New York Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | 1 month's rent (HSTPA 2019) |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 14 days after tenancy ends |
| Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month | 30 days (under 1 year); 60 days (1–2 years); 90 days (2+ years) |
| Rent Stabilization (NYC) | Applies to ~1 million NYC apartments; limits rent increases |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 14-Day Rent Demand |
| Landlord Entry Notice | Reasonable notice required (no statutory minimum in most cases) |
| Late Fee Limit | $50 or 5% of monthly rent (whichever is less) |
| Governing Law | Real Property Law, Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) |
New York Legal Requirements
- Security deposits must be placed in an interest-bearing account and interest paid to tenant annually (for buildings with 6+ units).
- Landlords must provide a written receipt for the security deposit.
- Lead paint disclosure is required for properties built before 1978.
- New York City requires window guards upon request if children under 10 reside in the unit.
- Landlords must provide a move-in inspection checklist.
- Application fees are capped at the actual cost of the background/credit check (no more than $20).
- Landlords must provide notice of rent increases meeting HSTPA requirements.
New York Governing Laws
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's New York legal resources or your state legislature's official website.