New York Residential Lease Agreement

Good Cause Eviction law notice (statutory form)

Since 2024, every initial and renewal lease must append or incorporate the statutory "Notice to Tenant of Applicability or Inapplicability of the New York State Good Cause Eviction Law" — a fill-in form stating whether the unit is covered by Article 6-A and, if exempt, which exemption applies (small landlord, owner-occupied ≤10 units, new construction, rent above 245% of fair market rent, etc.).

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law §231-c

Flood history and risk notice

Every residential lease must disclose whether the premises is in a FEMA floodplain, the 100-year Special Flood Hazard Area, or the 500-year Moderate Risk area, plus any prior flood damage the landlord knows or should know about — and must include the statutory notice that renter’s insurance typically does not cover floods and that NFIP coverage is available.

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law §231-b

Sprinkler system notice in bold face

Every residential lease must state conspicuously, in bold face type, whether the premises has a maintained and operative sprinkler system — and if it does, the date of its last maintenance and inspection.

Source: N.Y. Real Prop. Law §231-a

Security deposit bank notice & interest

Deposits are trust funds that cannot be commingled. The landlord must notify the tenant in writing of the name and address of the New York bank holding the deposit and the amount. In buildings of 6 or more units the deposit must earn interest at the prevailing rate (landlord may keep 1% as an admin fee).

Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-103

Move-in and move-out inspection rights

After signing but before occupancy, the landlord must offer the tenant a joint inspection to record existing damage in a written agreement. Before move-out, the landlord must notify the tenant of the right to a pre-vacancy inspection (1-2 weeks before the end), give an itemized list of proposed deductions, and let the tenant cure — then return the deposit with an itemized statement within 14 days or forfeit it.

Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108(1-a)

Lead-based paint (federal, pre-1978 buildings)

For housing built before 1978: disclose known lead-based paint hazards, provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home," and include the federal lead warning language.

Source: 42 U.S.C. §4852d

How much security deposit can a landlord charge in New York?

In New York, the security deposit is limited to 1 month's rent, and it must be returned within 14 days after move-out (as of 2026). Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108. Confirm the current rule before you sign.

Is this lease valid in New York?

A written lease that identifies the parties, the property, the term, and the rent is generally enforceable in New York once both sides sign. What it cannot do is contract around New York law: the deposit rules, entry notice, and habitability duties below apply whether or not the lease mentions them.

Can a landlord charge late fees in New York?

No late fee unless rent unpaid 5+ days after due; fee capped at the lesser of $50 or 5% of monthly rent Source: N.Y. Real Property Law § 238-a(2) (HSTPA 2019).

What does a landlord have to disclose in New York?

Under New York law: Good Cause Eviction law notice (statutory form) (N.Y. Real Prop. Law §231-c); Flood history and risk notice (N.Y. Real Prop. Law §231-b); Sprinkler system notice in bold face (N.Y. Real Prop. Law §231-a); Security deposit bank notice & interest (N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-103); Move-in and move-out inspection rights (N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108(1-a)); Lead-based paint (federal, pre-1978 buildings) (42 U.S.C. §4852d). Federal and local rules can add more; each item on this page links to the law it comes from.