How to apply for an apartment in New York City
The documents landlords ask for, the income guideline they use, and how to have a complete application ready before you tour.
Your New York lease: renewals, notices and your security deposit
What the 2019 tenant protection law means for renewals, rent increases and getting your security deposit back.
New York's Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 set rules that apply to most rental apartments in the state. Rent-stabilized apartments have additional rules of their own. Here is what to know before you sign and when your lease comes up for renewal.
Read the lease before you sign
Check the start and end dates, the monthly rent, which utilities you pay, the rules on pets, subletting and alterations, and how to request repairs. If something you agreed on is not written in the lease, ask for it to be added.
Notice before a renewal decision or a rent increase
If your landlord does not plan to renew your lease, or plans to raise the rent by 5% or more, they must tell you in writing in advance:
- 30 days before the lease ends if you have lived in the apartment for less than a year and your lease is shorter than a year;
- 60 days if you have lived there for at least one year but less than two, or your lease is at least one year but less than two;
- 90 days if you have lived there for two years or more, or your lease is at least two years.
Your security deposit
A security deposit cannot be more than one month's rent. You can ask for an inspection with your landlord before you move in, so you agree on the apartment's condition. After you move out, the landlord has 14 days to return the deposit or give you an itemized statement of any deductions.
Planning your renewal
Put your lease end date and the notice window on your calendar. If you want to stay, start the conversation early; if you plan to move, give the notice your lease asks for.
