1. Allergen Hazards Disclosure (NYC Only) (PDF) – Landlords of properties with multiple dwellings must disclose the fact that they are required by law to inspect the premises annually for indoor allergen hazards.^[1]
2. Bedbug Infestation Disclosure (NYC Only) (PDF) – Landlords must disclose the historical presence of bedbugs to tenants in rental properties located in New York City.^[2]
3. Building Smoking Policy Disclosure (NYC Only) (PDF) – The owner’s smoking policy must be included if the residential property contains three or more units.^[3]
4. Certificate of Occupancy – Landlords of buildings that have three or fewer units need to include a disclosure to the tenant indicating whether the certificate of occupancy for the building is valid.^[4]
5. Flood Disclosure (PDF) – Every rental agreement must include a flood insurance notice, disclose whether the property is in a FEMA-designated floodplain and whether there is prior damage from natural flooding.^[5]
6. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (PDF) – Discloses the existence of lead paint on the premises (required if the property was constructed before 1978).^[6]
7. Security Deposit Receipt (PDF) – If the landlord receives a security deposit, they must give the tenant a receipt that lists the bank name and location where the deposit is held.^[7]
8. Sprinkler System Disclosure (PDF) – Residential leases must contain a disclosure stating whether there is an operative sprinkler system on the premises.^[8]
9. Stove Knob Covers Disclosure (NYC Only) (PDF) – Discloses the landlord’s obligation to install knob covers on gas-powered stoves in rental units that house a child under the age of six.^[9]
10. Window Guard Disclosure (NYC Only) (PDF) – Landlords are required to install window guards if a child under the age of 11 lives in the rental unit.^[10]

Maximum Amount ($) – The maximum amount that a landlord may demand for a security deposit is one month’s rent.^[11]

Collecting Interest – If the rental property has at least six residential units, security deposits must be placed in an interest-bearing account. Landlords are entitled to keep 1% of the interest earned; the tenant is entitled to the remainder.^[12]

Returning to Tenant – Deposits must be returned to tenants within 14 days of the tenant’s vacancy.^[13]

Itemized List Required? – Yes, the tenant must be given a statement indicating any deductions from the security deposit within 14 days of the termination of the lease.^[14]

Separate Bank Account? – Yes, landlords must keep deposits separate from their personal bank accounts.^[15]

General Access – No state law specifies how much warning a landlord must provide before accessing the rented property, but a notice to enter may be used as a courtesy to tenants.

• New York City Only: Tenants must be given at least 24 hours’ notice if the landlord wants to inspect the premises to ensure it’s up to code.^[16] Landlords who wish to make repairs or improvements must give the tenant at least one week’s notice.^[17]

Immediate Access – No state law addresses emergency entry into a rental unit.

• New York City Only: Landlords may enter a rental unit in emergency situations without notice or consent.^[18]

Grace Period – Tenants have five days (including the initial due date) to pay rent before the landlord can charge late fees.^[19]

Maximum Late Fee ($) – The most that may be charged for late rent is $50 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less.^[20]

Bad Check (NSF) Fee – The fee for a bounced check may not exceed $20.^[21]

Withholding Rent – Tenants can pay the utility provider and subtract the amount spent from future rent payments if a landlord refuses or does not provide a utility or other maintenance service for which they are responsible.^[22]

Non-Payment of Rent – A 14-day notice to quit may be sent if a tenant is behind on rent.^[23]

Non-Compliance – If a tenant violates the conditions of their lease, the landlord may send them a 30-day notice to quit.^[24]

Lockouts – It is illegal for a landlord to change the locks in an attempt to evict a tenant without a court order.^[25]

Leaving Before the End Date – If the tenant leaves before the lease expires, they must pay rent until the agreement expires or the landlord finds a new tenant. Landlords must make a reasonable effort to rent the property at market value to a new tenant.^[26]

Month-to-Month Tenancy – Landlords may use a 1-month notice to quit to inform tenants they have one month to move out.^[27]

Unclaimed Property – No state law governs how a landlord must deal with a tenant’s abandoned personal property.