Understanding Landlord-Tenant Laws in New York

In New York, landlord-tenant laws are in place to ensure fair treatment for both landlords and tenants. These laws protect tenants’ rights to safe and decent housing while also giving landlords the ability to manage their properties effectively. Knowing these laws can help avoid misunderstandings, which might otherwise lead to disputes. It is important for landlords and tenants to be aware of their rights and responsibilities before they enter into a lease agreement. This knowledge can make renting a property a smoother process for everyone involved. At, Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Richard H. Cole
Partner

Thomas F. Hewner
Partner

Donna L. Haslinger
Partner

Vivian P. Roche'
Partner

Keith R. Rosso
Attorney

Tasha D. Frazie
Attorney

The Lease Agreement and Its Importance

The lease agreement is one of the most important documents between a landlord and a tenant. This document outlines the terms and conditions under which the tenant can rent the property. In New York, lease agreements can be either written or verbal. However, written agreements are generally preferred because they provide clear evidence of the agreed-upon terms. A lease agreement typically includes details like the amount of rent, the length of the lease, any security deposit, and the rules the tenant must follow while living on the property. Both parties should carefully review the lease before signing it, as this document serves as a legal contract that holds them to certain responsibilities.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

In New York, tenants have rights that are protected by law. These rights are designed to ensure that tenants have access to safe and comfortable housing. For instance, landlords are required to keep rental properties in good condition. This includes making repairs when necessary, such as fixing leaky roofs, broken windows, or faulty heating systems. If a landlord fails to make required repairs, tenants may have the right to withhold rent until the issues are addressed.

Tenants also have responsibilities. They must pay rent on time and follow the terms laid out in the lease agreement. Additionally, they are responsible for keeping the property clean and avoiding any actions that could damage it. This includes not disturbing other tenants and following all laws and regulations. When tenants respect the property and follow the rules, it can help foster a better relationship with their landlords.

Landlord Rights and Responsibilities

Just as tenants have rights, landlords also have certain rights that allow them to protect their property and manage it properly. Landlords in New York have the right to collect rent on time and can take action if a tenant fails to pay. Landlords are also allowed to enter the rental property, but they usually must provide the tenant with reasonable notice before doing so, except in emergency situations.

In addition to their rights, landlords have important responsibilities. They must keep their properties safe and in good condition, addressing any health or safety issues that may arise. This includes making sure that essential services, like heat and hot water, are available to tenants. Landlords must follow New York’s housing codes and other regulations to provide tenants with a safe living environment. If a landlord fails to fulfill these responsibilities, they could face legal consequences.

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Security Deposits and Their Purpose

In New York, many landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit before moving into a rental property. This deposit is usually equal to one month’s rent and is meant to protect the landlord in case the tenant causes any damage to the property or fails to pay rent. By law, landlords must keep the security deposit in a separate bank account and cannot use it for personal expenses.

At the end of the lease, if there are no damages and the tenant has paid all rent, the landlord must return the security deposit to the tenant. If there are damages, the landlord may deduct the cost of repairs from the deposit. However, they must provide an itemized list of any deductions within 14 days of the tenant moving out. Knowing how security deposits work can help tenants understand their rights when they move in and out of a rental property.

Eviction Process in New York

Eviction is a process that landlords can use to remove a tenant from a rental property if they have not followed the terms of the lease or have failed to pay rent. However, landlords cannot simply force tenants out. In New York, there is a legal process for eviction that landlords must follow. First, the landlord must give the tenant a notice, which could be a notice to pay overdue rent, to fix a violation of the lease, or to move out.

If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit in court. The tenant will then have a chance to defend themselves in front of a judge. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, the tenant will be given a specific amount of time to move out. Eviction can be a stressful and complex process, so it is often in the best interest of both parties to try to resolve disputes before they reach this point.

Rent Control and Rent Stabilization

New York is known for having rent control and rent stabilization laws, which help protect tenants from sudden and large rent increases. Rent control applies to some older apartments in certain areas, while rent stabilization covers more buildings, usually those built before 1974 with six or more units. Under rent stabilization, landlords can only raise rent by a certain amount each year, as determined by a government board.

These laws help make housing more affordable and prevent tenants from being priced out of their homes. However, rent-stabilized apartments have specific rules, and tenants must meet certain criteria to qualify. Rent control and rent stabilization are particularly important in New York City, where housing costs are high, and these laws aim to make renting more manageable for tenants.

How to Resolve Disputes Between Landlords and Tenants

Disputes between landlords and tenants can arise over various issues, such as rent, repairs, or property damage. When a dispute occurs, both parties should try to resolve it through open communication. Discussing concerns and trying to reach a compromise can often prevent a small issue from becoming a larger problem.

If direct communication does not solve the dispute, tenants and landlords in New York have other options. They can use mediation services, where a neutral third party helps them work toward a solution. If mediation does not work, the issue may need to be resolved in court. Both tenants and landlords have the right to bring their cases before a judge, who can make a final decision based on the evidence presented. Knowing about these options can help both parties address issues in a fair and respectful manner.

Fair Housing Laws and Protection Against Discrimination

Fair housing laws in New York protect tenants from discrimination when they are seeking housing. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone based on factors like race, religion, gender, disability, family status, or national origin. Additionally, New York City and other areas have local laws that provide even more protections, such as those covering sexual orientation and gender identity.

If a tenant believes they have been discriminated against, they have the right to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Fair housing laws are in place to ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities, and landlords must follow these laws when renting out their properties.

Legal Support for Landlords and Tenants

Sometimes, landlord-tenant issues can be complex and difficult to resolve without help. Landlords and tenants both have the right to seek legal assistance when they need it. Legal professionals can provide guidance on issues like lease agreements, eviction procedures, and property rights. They can also help with understanding New York’s housing laws and ensuring that both landlords and tenants comply with them.

Seeking help from a legal professional can be particularly useful in cases where there are disagreements over rent, repairs, or other significant matters. Legal support can provide a clear understanding of each party’s rights and responsibilities, which can be essential in reaching a fair outcome.

Understanding landlord-tenant laws in New York is essential for a positive rental experience. These laws protect the rights of both tenants and landlords, making sure that each party knows what is expected of them. From knowing about lease agreements to understanding the eviction process and fair housing laws, awareness of these regulations helps prevent disputes and ensures that both landlords and tenants enjoy a safe and fair rental relationship.

If you are a landlord or tenant in New York and need assistance with understanding your rights or resolving a dispute, reaching out to knowledgeable professionals can make a difference. The legal team at Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. is here to help you navigate New York’s landlord-tenant laws with confidence. Whether you need help drafting a lease, addressing a rental issue, or seeking guidance on property rights, our team is dedicated to supporting you. Contact Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. today to discuss how we can help with your landlord-tenant concerns.