Free New York Lease Agreement
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New York Lease Agreement Requirements (2026)
Every New York residential lease must comply with state landlord-tenant law. Here are the key rules your lease must follow:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | 1 month’s rent |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 14 days |
| Late Fee Cap | $50 or 5% of monthly rent (whichever is less) |
| Grace Period | 5 days |
| Landlord Entry Notice | Reasonable notice (no specific statute; 24 hours recommended) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days (less than 1 year tenancy or increase ≤5%); 60 days (1-2 years or increase >5%); 90 days (2+ years) |
| Rent Control | 10% or 5% + CPI, whichever is lower (Good Cause Eviction Law) |
Key New York Landlord-Tenant Laws
- Good Cause Eviction Law (N.Y. Real Prop. Law §226-C et seq.) — Statewide rent increase cap (10% or 5% + CPI) and just cause eviction protections. Covers most residential tenancies outside NYC rent stabilization.
- Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) (2019 Session Laws, ch. 36) — Major 2019 reform limiting security deposits to 1 month, restricting late fees, and strengthening rent stabilization in NYC.
- NYC Rent Stabilization Law (NYC Admin Code §26-501 et seq.) — Covers approximately 1 million apartments in NYC with RGB-set annual rent increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rent increase cap in New York?
Under the 2024 Good Cause Eviction Law, rent increases are capped at 10% or 5% + CPI, whichever is lower. In NYC, rent-stabilized apartments have separate caps set annually by the Rent Guidelines Board.
Does New York require just cause for eviction?
Yes. The Good Cause Eviction Law requires just cause for eviction statewide. Landlords must have a specific legal reason to evict, and unreasonable rent increases can be challenged as constructive eviction.
What is the security deposit limit in New York?
New York limits security deposits to 1 month’s rent. The deposit must be returned within 14 days of lease termination with an itemized statement. Interest earned on the deposit belongs to the tenant.
How do NYC rent stabilization rules differ from statewide law?
NYC has a separate rent stabilization system covering approximately 1 million apartments. Annual increases are set by the Rent Guidelines Board (typically 1-3%). Rent-stabilized tenants have additional protections beyond the statewide Good Cause law.
Learn more: New York Landlord-Tenant Laws
