Thursday July 03, 2025
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Laws and regulations are subject to change. Always consult with a qualified attorney to confirm the current legal standards.NYC tenant rights
Right to a safe and habitable home
NYC tenants generally have the right to live in a rental unit that is safe, clean, and properly maintained. This includes working heat and hot water, freedom from pest infestations, and proper sanitation.Protection from harassment
Tenants in New York City are generally protected from harassment by their landlords. Harassment may include actions like shutting off utilities, threats, repeated unnecessary inspections, or pressuring tenants to leave. These actions could result in fines and penalties for the landlord.Rights for tenants with disabilities
Renters with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations under federal, state, and local law. This may include modifications to the unit or exceptions to rules (like allowing a service animal). Landlords must make reasonable efforts to comply with accommodation requests unless it creates an undue burden as defined by fair housing laws.Protection from discrimination
Fair housing laws protect NYC renters from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, family status, or other protected categories. Landlords cannot refuse to rent or provide different terms based on these characteristics. The NYC Human Rights Law also adds protections based on criminal record, lawful occupation, lawful source of income, the presence of children, and status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, and sex offenses.Due process in eviction
In NYC, tenants typically can’t be removed from their apartment without a court order. Landlords are often required to serve a notice, file a case in Housing Court, and receive a judge’s order before a marshal carries out an eviction. Since 2024, many buildings are now also covered by New York’s Good Cause Eviction Law, which requires landlords to show “good cause” before a court may issue an eviction warrant. Whether the law applies to a specific unit or building may depend on the building type and other factors.Access to amenities and building services
Tenants may have the right to use the amenities and shared services included in their lease, such as laundry rooms, gyms, package rooms, or rooftop decks. If these features are advertised or listed in lease terms, they typically must be kept in good working condition and reasonably accessible. Temporarily closing amenities for repairs or safety may be permitted, but permanent removal may require appropriate notice or lease modifications, in accordance with applicable laws. Buildings that offer amenity packages should maintain a clear record of terms and policies, especially when amenity access varies by unit.Heat season requirements
Between October 1 and May 31, NYC’s “heat season” rules require that landlords maintain minimum indoor temperatures. If the temperature outside falls below 55°F between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the inside temperature must be at least 68°F. At night, apartments must stay at least 62°F regardless of the outside temperature. Hot water must be available 365 days per year at a minimum of 120°F.Rental laws in NYC
While many rental laws apply broadly across New York City, how they affect a specific tenant can vary depending on factors like their building type, lease terms, and whether their unit is rent-regulated:- Security deposits: Landlords are typically required to return security deposits within 14 days of a tenant moving out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
- Rent increases: In rent-stabilized apartments, annual rent increases are capped based on guidelines set by the Rent Guidelines Board.
- Late fees: Landlords typically may not charge a late fee, unless the rent is at least five days overdue. Late fees are generally limited to 5% of the monthly rent or $50, whichever is less.
- Notice of rent increases: Landlords must provide 30 to 90 days’ notice before increasing rent by more than 5%, depending on how long the tenant has lived in the unit.
- Right to service animals: Tenants with disabilities may have the right to keep service animals or emotional support animals regardless of pet policies. Landlords may have the right to request appropriate documentation in accordance with applicable laws.
Rent regulation in NYC
New York City has two major types of rent regulation: rent control and rent stabilization. Most regulated apartments fall under rent stabilization, which limits how much rent can increase each year and gives tenants the right to renewal leases. Rent control applies to fewer and older units but provides even stronger limits on rent hikes. Buildings with six or more units built before 1974, as well as newer buildings that received certain tax benefits like 485x, may qualify for rent stabilization.Landlord responsibilities
NYC landlords are required to meet several legal responsibilities to keep their buildings safe, habitable, and compliant with city regulations:- Maintain essential services: Provide consistent heat, hot water, and electricity, and respond promptly to outages or repairs.
- Keep the building safe and sanitary: Address pest issues, mold, leaks, and general cleanliness in both private units and common areas.
- Make timely repairs: Fix issues reported by tenants and correct any violations issued by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) or other city agencies.
- Register the building: File an annual registration with HPD if the building has three or more units or any rent-regulated units.
- Install and maintain safety equipment: Provide working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and natural gas detectors under Local Law 157, and self-closing doors where required.
- Follow local laws: Adhere to local rules about issues such as rent increases, lease renewals, and security deposits. For more information, read our 2025 local law update from our in-house Compliance Department.
- Display and share information: Post required notices in common areas and provide written building policies and emergency contacts. Learn more in our webinar on fire safety and emergency planning in multifamily buildings.