New York Tenant Rights Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed September 05, 2017
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With the allure of places like the Big Apple and Niagara Falls, it's no wonder tens of millions of people choose to live in the Empire State. But along with those soaring New York rent payments, it's not uncommon to have issues with your rental unit. To deal with these issues and protect yourself as a tenant, there is plethora of federal, state, and local laws governing the landlord-tenant relationship, in addition to the terms of your rental contract. Read on to learn more about New York tenant rights laws.
New York Tenant Rights Laws: From Security Deposits to Building Repairs
New York laws cover a wide range of topics pertaining to the landlord-tenant relationship. For example, it's illegal to discriminate against or refuse to rent to someone based on protected characteristics such as race, military status, and sexual orientation. Landlords are also required to return your security deposit to you within a reasonable amount of time, and cannot raise your rent during the term of your lease.
During your tenancy, your landlord must also provide a habitable unit. This includes making necessary repairs and providing services or conditions that are expressly or implicitly included in your lease, such as hot and cold water, heat, and power. And if your landlord is supposed to but doesn't pay the utility bill, you can pay it and deduct the cost from your rent. These and other laws are designed to protect you against unfair practices within the landlord-tenant relationship.
New York Tenant Rights Laws at a Glance
The following chart provides a summary of New York state laws governing the landlord-tenant relationship, including links to important code sections. It's important to note that localities like New York City may have stricter regulations than certain state laws.
Statutes |
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Security Deposits |
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Paying Rent |
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Living Conditions |
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Discrimination |
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Ending or Renewing a Tenancy |
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Retaliation |
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Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
New York Tenant Rights Laws: Related Resources
- New York Lease and Rental Agreement Laws
- New York Tenants' Rights Guide
- Tenant Lease Agreement FAQs
- Tenants’ Rights Basics
- U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development in New York
- New York Fair Housing Justice Center
Get Help Protecting Your Tenant Rights
With the vast amount of federal, state, and local law, it's hard to know which codes, rules, and regulations apply to your situation. Whether you're dealing with a landlord who won't fix the faulty plumbing, or you're facing an eviction notice, receive a free initial case review to more fully understand your rights and obligations under New York law.
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