Landlord Tenant Laws in New York (NY)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
New York's landlord-tenant laws are governed by N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 220 et seq.; Housing Stability & Tenant Protection Act of 2019. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of A (Very Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. New York enacted sweeping tenant protections in 2019 (HSTPA). Security deposits capped at 1 month statewide. Late fees capped. NYC has rent stabilization covering ~1 million units. Upstate cities can adopt local rent laws. Just cause eviction in effect in some jurisdictions.
Security Deposit Rules in New York
New York limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in New York
In New York, a landlord must provide 14 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is one of the longer notice periods nationally, giving tenants meaningful time to pay overdue rent or find alternative housing. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in New York.
Tenant Rights in New York
Tenants in New York have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in New York
New York allows individual cities and municipalities to adopt their own rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This means tenant protections can vary significantly depending on where you live within the state. Check your local city ordinances for specific rent control provisions.
Landlord Obligations in New York
Landlords in New York are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide Reasonable notice notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 14 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in New York
Many cities in New York have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 5 major cities.
New York City
NYC has rent stabilization covering ~1 million apartments. Rent Guidelines Board sets annual increases. HPD enforces housing maintenance code. Tenants have extensive protections under city and state law.
Buffalo
Subject to statewide HSTPA protections. No additional local rent control.
Rochester
Follows state law. No local rent stabilization.
Syracuse
No local rent control. Follows statewide HSTPA protections.
Albany
State capital subject to HSTPA. Good Cause Eviction law applies.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. New York scores 85 out of 100, earning a grade of A (Very Tenant-Friendly).
How New York Compares
Below is a comparison of New York with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where New York falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (NY) | 85 | A | 1 month's rent | 14 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| District of Columbia (DC) | 88 | A | 1 month's rent | 30 days | Statewide Rent Control |
| California (CA) | 81 | A | 1 month's rent | 3 days | Statewide Rent Control |
| Vermont (VT) | 79 | A | No statutory limit | 14 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| New Jersey (NJ) | 78 | A | 1.5 months' rent | 30 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Delaware (DE) | 76 | A | 1 month's rent (no pet deposit limit beyond security deposit) | 5 days | No Rent Control |
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New York?
In New York, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in New York?
For nonpayment of rent, New York requires 14 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in New York if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, New York allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does New York have rent control?
New York allows local municipalities to enact rent control. Check with your city for local rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in New York?
Landlords in New York must give Reasonable notice notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of New York are primarily found in N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 220 et seq.; Housing Stability & Tenant Protection Act of 2019. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.