Updated March 10, 2023
A New York lease agreement is a binding contract that allows a landlord to rent residential or commercial space to a tenant. It outlines the terms and conditions for the rental period such as responsibilities, monthly rent, and the end date.
Prior to signing, the landlord will require a fee to cover the cost of running a credit report on the applicant. Once approved, a lease will be signed between the parties with the first month’s rent and a security deposit due prior to occupancy.
Table of Contents |
Agreement Types (10)
 Standard Residential Lease Agreement – A fixed arrangement that is commonly for a one-year term.
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 Apartment Lease Agreement – For a residential unit located in a multi-family.
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 Commercial Lease Agreement – To be used by landlords seeking to rent space related to office, retail, or industrial use.
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 Condominium Lease Agreement – Residence that is owned usually in a property with other individuals sharing common space.
Download: Adobe PDF |
 Month-to-Month Lease Agreement – Contract pursuant to § 232-b that can be canceled at any time with a notice of at least one month by either party.
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 Real Estate Board of New York Lease Agreement – Fixed-term contract provided by the Real Estate Board of New York.
Download: Adobe PDF |
 Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement – Tenant/buyer has the right to buy said property on terms agreed upon by the owner/lessor during the course of the occupancy.
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 Room Rental (Roommate) Agreement – For the parties living in a shared home to explain the rules and fees of each living companion.
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 Single-Family Home (House) Lease Agreement – For a residential house that usually has a yard and driveway.
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 Sublease Agreement – Allows the original tenant to allow a subtenant to take over their lease for a partial or full lease term.
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Required Disclosures (10)
Allergen Hazards Disclosure (NYC Admin Code § 27-2017.1) (NYC ONLY) – The landlord is required to complete this disclosure and make an annual inspection of indoor allergen hazards such as mold, mice, rats, and cockroaches
- “What Tenants Should Know About Indoor Allergens” Disclosure – Must be handed to the tenants as a supplemental disclosure.
Anti-Scald Valves (NYC Admin. Code § 27-2031) (NYC ONLY) – The landlord must equip all showers and bath faucets with scald valves with a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit but not less than 110 degrees.
Bed Bug Disclosure (NYC Admin Code § 27–2018.1) (NYC Only) – Landlords are required to acknowledge the existence of bed bugs in the rental unit.
Copy of Signed Lease (Tenants’ Rights Guide) (Rent Stabilized Tenants ONLY) – The landlord must give a signed copy of their lease within thirty (30) days of tenancy.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Per federal law requiring all residences built before 1978 for the landlord to issue this notice to inform the tenant of the hazardous paint within the walls and ceiling.
Security Deposit Receipt (§ 7-103) – If a deposit is accepted by the landlord, the name and location of the financial institution must be relayed to the tenant in writing.
Smoking Policy (NYC Admin Code 5, § 17-505) (NYC ONLY) – Buildings of three (3) or more units must have a policy outlining where smoking is prohibited.
Sprinkler Disclosure (Article 7, Section 231-A) – This must contain notice of whether or not a sprinkler system exists.
Stove Knob Covers (NYC Admin Code § 27-2046.4(a)) (NYC ONLY) – For tenants with children under six (6) years of age, the landlord must provide knob covers for gas-powered stoves.
Window Guards (NYC Admin Code § 27–2043.1) (NYC ONLY) – In the City of New York, if the tenant has a child that is ten (10) years of age or younger, the landlord is required to fit the apartment with window guards.
Security Deposits
Maximum Amount (N.Y. GOB §§ 7-108-1a(a)) – One (1) month’s rent is the maximum allowable amount a landlord can charge.
Returning (N.Y. GOB §§ 7-108-1a(e)) – After the tenant has vacated the property, the landlord has fourteen (14) days to return the deposit.
Interest-Bearing Account (9 § 2505.4(a)) – Any deposit by the tenant must be held in an interest-bearing account.
When is Rent Due? (Grace Period)
A landlord cannot charge a late payment fee until after the five (5) day rent grace period (N.Y. RPL 238-A (2)).
If rent is not paid on the 6th day, the landlord can issue a 14-day notice to quit, allowing the tenant to pay the owed rent or move out of the property.
Late Rent
Maximum Penalty (N.Y. RPL 238-A (2)) – The landlord can charge $50 or 5% of the monthly amount, whichever is less, for the late payment of rent.
NSF Fee (Fact Sheet #44) – A maximum fee for a bounced check is not specified in the laws but must be mentioned in the lease if to be charged.
Right to Enter (Landlord)
The landlord has the right, by providing reasonable notice, to enter the tenant’s property to make general repairs (Residential Tenants’ Rights (Page 54), § 27-2008).
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Resources
- Changes in New York State Rent Law – Provided by the New York State Attorney General.
- NYC Security Deposits FAQ – Provided by the Rent Guidelines Board.
- NYC Tenants Bill of Rights – Provided by the New York City Controller.
- Residential Tenants’ Rights – Provided by the New York State Attorney General.