New York Standard Residential Lease Agreement

1. Allergen Hazards Disclosure (NYC only) – This form and attached brochure must be given to the tenant to confirm the landlord has performed an inspection of indoor allergen hazards, including mold, mice, rats, and cockroaches.^[1]

2. Bedbug Disclosure (NYC only) – Landlords must notify tenants if their properties had bedbug infestations in the previous year.^[2]

3. Copy of Signed Lease (conditional) – Tenants must receive a signed copy of the lease agreement within 30 days of move-in.^[3]

4. Flood History Disclosure & Risk Notice – Leases must provide notice if the property is located in a FEMA-designated floodplain, special flood hazard area, or moderate risk flood hazard area. They must also disclose any prior flood damage and contain the following language: “Flood insurance is available to renters through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to cover your personal property and contents in the event of a flood. A standard renter’s insurance policy does not typically cover flood damage. You are encouraged to examine your policy to determine whether you are covered.” ^[4]

5. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure & EPA Pamphlet (conditional) – Landlords of properties built before 1978 must notify tenants that the walls and ceiling could contain lead-based paint.

6. Notice of Applicability of Good Cause Eviction Law – Leases must notify tenants of their rights under the New York State Good Cause Eviction Law.^[5]

7. Security Deposit Receipt (conditional) – Landlords collecting security deposits must give tenants the name and address of the bank where the deposit is being held.^[6]

8. Sprinkler Disclosure – Every lease shall include, in bold type, whether a sprinkler system operates on the property and if so, when it was last inspected and maintained.^[7]

9. Stove Knob Covers (NYC only) – For tenants with children under six years of age, landlords must provide stove knob covers and must notify tenants in writing that this is their obligation. Landlords should keep a record of notification.^[8]

Maximum Amount – One month’s rent.^[9]

Returning – Unused deposits must be returned within 14 days of the end of a tenancy.^[10]

Grace Period – Five days.^[11]

Maximum Late Fee – $50 or 5% of the monthly amount, whichever is less.^[12]

NSF Fee – No statute. However, the fee for a bad check must be stated in the lease.^[13]