Not legal advice. This site is a general reference for landlords. Laws change, and local rules, lease terms, and individual facts matter. Always check the official source linked on each fact, and talk to a licensed attorney in your state before you act.

New York landlord-tenant law

5 of 7 topics verified

Local rules also apply in: New York

Quick facts

TopicAt a glance
Security deposit limitNo more than one month's rent (exceptions for certain seasonal-use units and owner-occupied co-ops).
Deposit return deadlineWithin 14 days after the tenant moves out: an itemized statement of any amount kept, plus the rest of the deposit.
Notice to enterNot yet verified
Rent increase noticeWritten notice before a renewal with a 5% or larger increase, or before not renewing.
Late feesNo late fee unless rent is unpaid 5 days after it was due.
Eviction notice (nonpayment)14 days' written notice demanding the rent or possession before a nonpayment proceeding.
Rent control / state preemptionNot yet verified

Details & sources

Security deposit limit

No more than one month's rent (exceptions for certain seasonal-use units and owner-occupied co-ops).

Verified Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(a) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Deposit return deadline

Within 14 days after the tenant moves out: an itemized statement of any amount kept, plus the rest of the deposit. Missing the deadline forfeits the right to keep any of it.

Verified Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(e) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Notice to enter

Not yet verified

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Rent increase notice

Written notice before a renewal with a 5% or larger increase, or before not renewing. Required notice: at least 30 days if the tenant has been there less than 1 year (and the lease is under 1 year), 60 days for 1 to 2 years, and 90 days for 2 years or more (the longer of occupancy or lease term counts). If notice is late, the tenancy continues on existing terms until the notice period runs out.

Verified Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 226-c · last checked 2026-10-15

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Late fees

No late fee unless rent is unpaid 5 days after it was due. The fee may not exceed $50 or 5% of monthly rent, whichever is less.

Verified Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 238-a(2) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Eviction notice (nonpayment)

14 days' written notice demanding the rent or possession before a nonpayment proceeding. It must include the good cause eviction law notice (RPL § 231-c).

Verified Source: N.Y. RPAPL § 711(2) · last checked 2026-10-15

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Rent control / state preemption

Not yet verified

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Cities in New York with their own rules

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