New York Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our New York law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes New York landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
New York lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | 1 month's rent |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 14 days |
| Interest on deposits | required (buildings with 6+ units) |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours typical ("reasonable notice" standard) |
| Late fee cap | no statutory percentage cap |
| Rent grace period | 5 days |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 8 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 7 disclosures required |
New York lease law guides
- New York Security Deposit Limit1 month's rent
- New York Deposit Return Deadline14 days
- New York Deposit Interest Rulesinterest required (buildings with 6+ units)
- New York Landlord Entry Notice24 hours typical ("reasonable notice" standard)
- New York Late Fee Lawsno statutory percentage cap
- New York Rent Grace Period5 days
- New York Prohibited Lease Clauses8 restricted clause types
- New York Required Disclosures7 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under New York law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of right to jury trialOften Unenforceable
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 8 prohibited clause types in New York, with statute citations →
Disclosures New York landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Bed Bugs
- Smoking Policy
All 7 required disclosures in New York, explained with citations →
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New York lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New York?
- New York generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Conditions can apply — see the New York security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New York?
- Generally 14 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the New York deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in New York?
- Yes — New York law requires interest on held security deposits for buildings with 6+ units. Conditions can apply — see the New York deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in New York?
- New York requires "reasonable notice" rather than a fixed hour minimum — 24 hours is the typical interpretation. Conditions can apply — see the New York landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in New York?
- New York sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Conditions can apply — see the New York late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in New York?
- New York generally provides a 5-day grace period before late fees. Conditions can apply — see the New York rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in New York?
- New York law restricts 8 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of right to jury trial; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in New York?
- New York requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Bed Bugs (Disclosure of bed bug infestation history for past year); Smoking Policy (Disclosure of building smoking policy); Flood Zone (Disclosure if property is in a designated flood zone); Sprinkler System (Disclosure of sprinkler system status in buildings with 3+ units); Rent Stabilization (Notice to tenant if unit is subject to rent stabilization (NYC)); Air Quality (Disclosure of indoor air quality issues (NYC)).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.