Tenant rights in New York.
A working reference for what New York’s residential tenancy law actually requires — the kind of details a lease can’t legally override, and the citations that back them.
Regulator · NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) · NYC HPD
Security deposit capped at 1 month's rent. Must be returned within 14 days of move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions.
Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (NY GOL §7-108)
Late fees capped at the lesser of $50 or 5% of monthly rent, and only after rent is 5+ days late.
NY Real Property Law §235-e (NY RPL §235-e)
Landlord has affirmative duty to keep the premises in good repair. Cannot be waived by lease.
NY Multiple Dwelling Law §78 (NY MDL §78)NYC Housing Maintenance Code — landlord must maintain heat, hot water, and essential services. Violations enforceable by HPD.
NYC Admin Code §27-2005 (NYC Admin Code §27-2005)
Landlord must give 30/60/90 days notice to terminate (depending on tenancy length) and may not unreasonably withhold consent to assign.
NY Real Property Law §232-a (NY RPL §232-a)
Things a lease can’t change.
- NYC rent-stabilized units (built before 1974, 6+ unit buildings) cap annual increases via the NYC Rent Guidelines Board.
- Tenant-paid broker fees are limited under the FARE Act (NYC, effective 2025) — landlord pays unless tenant explicitly hired the broker.
- NYC Pet Law (Admin Code §27-2009.1) — no-pet clauses waived if landlord knew about a pet for 3+ months and took no action.
Where to escalate.
Informational, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current text before relying on a citation.