Free Templates
New York Eviction Notice Templates: Free Forms (2026)
New York requires specific notice types depending on the eviction grounds. Using the wrong notice, wrong timeline, or wrong service method will get your case dismissed — and you start over from scratch.
Last updated: August 4, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- New York has 4 main eviction notice types — 14-Day Demand for Rent, 30/60/90-Day Termination, Notice to Cure, and Good Cause Non-Renewal
- Wrong notice = case dismissed. Using the wrong notice type is the most common reason New York eviction cases get thrown out
- Termination notice period depends on tenancy length: 30 days (under 1 year), 60 days (1–2 years), 90 days (2+ years)
- Good Cause non-renewal notices must state the specific reason (RPL §226-c) for buildings with 10+ units
- Service method matters. Personal, substituted + mail, or conspicuous place + mail only — no email or text
Which Notice Do You Need?
| Situation | Notice Type | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant owes rent | 14-Day Demand for Rent | 14 days |
| End month-to-month (under 1 year) | 30-Day Termination | 30 days |
| End month-to-month (1–2 years) | 60-Day Termination | 60 days |
| End month-to-month (2+ years) | 90-Day Termination | 90 days |
| Lease violation (curable) | Notice to Cure | 10 days (typical) |
| Non-renewal (10+ unit building, covered tenant) | Good Cause Non-Renewal | 30–90 days |
Critical Warning
Self-help eviction is ALWAYS illegal in New York. You cannot change locks, shut off utilities, remove tenant belongings, or physically remove a tenant yourself. This is a Class A misdemeanor with criminal penalties plus civil liability. The only lawful path is through the court system.
4 New York Eviction Notice Templates
1. Fourteen-Day Demand for Rent (Nonpayment)
Required before filing a nonpayment petition. Per RPAPL §711(2) and HSTPA.
Do NOT include late fees, utility charges, or any amount other than base rent. The 14-day demand must specify only rent owed. Including other charges may invalidate the demand and any subsequent nonpayment petition. Itemize by month and verify the exact amounts.
2. Thirty-Day Notice of Termination (Month-to-Month)
For month-to-month tenancies of less than one year. Per RPL §232-a. Use 60-day for 1–2 year tenancies, 90-day for 2+ year tenancies.
Check tenancy length carefully. If the tenancy has been in effect for 1–2 years, you must use a 60-day notice. If 2+ years, a 90-day notice. Using the wrong notice period will get your case dismissed. Also check whether Good Cause Eviction applies (10+ unit buildings) — if so, you may not be able to terminate without cause.
3. Notice to Cure (Lease Violation)
For curable lease violations such as unauthorized pets, noise, or unauthorized occupants. Typically 10-day cure period.
A Notice to Cure is not a termination notice. If the tenant does not cure the violation within the cure period, you must then serve a separate Notice of Termination before filing a holdover petition. Skipping this step will result in dismissal.
4. Good Cause Notice of Non-Renewal
For non-renewal of a covered tenant in a building with 10+ units. Must state the specific reason per RPL §226-c. Notice period matches tenancy length (30/60/90 days).
Good Cause non-renewal notices MUST state the specific reason. A generic “your lease will not be renewed” notice is insufficient for covered tenants. The reason must be one of the enumerated grounds under RPL §226-c. Consult an attorney if you are unsure whether Good Cause applies to your property.
How to Serve the Notice
New York law recognizes three methods of serving an eviction notice. The method you use must be documented in an affidavit of service filed with the court.
1. Personal Service (Best Method)
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. This is the strongest method and the hardest for a tenant to dispute. Have a witness present or use a process server who can provide an affidavit of service.
2. Substituted Service + Mail
If personal service fails after reasonable attempts, leave the notice with a person of suitable age and discretion at the tenant’s residence or place of business, AND mail a copy to the tenant’s address by regular mail within one day. Both steps are required.
3. Conspicuous Place + Mail (Last Resort)
Only if personal and substituted service have both failed after diligent attempts. Affix a copy to the door or other conspicuous place at the property, AND mail a copy by regular mail within one day. Document your prior failed attempts at personal and substituted service.
Email and text are NOT valid service methods in New York. A notice served only by electronic means will be treated as if it was never served. You must use one of the three methods above and document the service with an affidavit.
Good Cause Non-Renewal Requirements
If your building has 10 or more residential units, the 2024 Good Cause Eviction law (RPL §226-c) requires you to offer a lease renewal unless you have a legally recognized reason not to. Simply letting a lease expire is no longer sufficient for covered tenants.
Notice Must State the Cause
Unlike a standard termination notice, a Good Cause non-renewal notice must explicitly state the reason for non-renewal. A generic notice that simply says “your lease will not be renewed” is insufficient and will be challenged.
Exemptions
Buildings with fewer than 10 units, owner-occupied 1–3 family homes, units renting above 245% of HUD Fair Market Rent, rent-stabilized or rent-controlled units, and tenants still within their first lease term are all exempt from Good Cause requirements.
5 Common Notice Mistakes in New York
- Skipping the 14-day demand for rent. HSTPA requires a written demand at least 14 days before filing a nonpayment petition. Filing without this demand results in immediate dismissal.
- Wrong termination notice period. Using a 30-day notice when the tenant has lived there 2+ years (requires 90 days). Always calculate from the tenancy start date, not the current lease start.
- Not stating cause for Good Cause non-renewal. For covered tenants in 10+ unit buildings, the notice must explicitly state the reason. A generic non-renewal notice is challengeable.
- Invalid service method. Serving by email, text, or regular mail alone is not valid. You must use personal service, substituted + mail, or conspicuous place + mail, and document it in an affidavit.
- Skipping the Notice to Cure before termination. For lease violations, you must serve a Notice to Cure first, then a separate Notice of Termination if the tenant does not cure. Jumping straight to termination gets your case dismissed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I serve a New York eviction notice by email or text?
No. New York law requires physical service of eviction notices. Email, text message, voicemail, and social media messages are not legally recognized service methods. The only acceptable methods are personal service, substituted service plus mail, or conspicuous place service plus mail. A notice served only by electronic means will be treated as if it was never served.
What is the difference between a Notice to Cure and a Notice of Termination?
A Notice to Cure gives the tenant a chance to fix a lease violation within a specified period (typically 10 days). It does not end the tenancy. If the tenant fails to cure, you then serve a separate Notice of Termination, which ends the tenancy and sets up the holdover proceeding. Both notices are required in sequence for curable lease violations — skipping either one will result in dismissal.
Do I need to state a reason for non-renewal in a termination notice?
If your building has 10 or more residential units and the tenant is covered by Good Cause Eviction (RPL §226-c), yes — you must state the specific reason for non-renewal. If your building is exempt (fewer than 10 units, owner-occupied 1–3 family, rent above 245% FMR), you do not need to state a reason in the standard termination notice, though it is best practice to do so.
Related Resources
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Read FAQ →Compliance Engine
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Written by Rachid Abadli
Rachid is the founder and CEO of LeaseBase. He writes about landlord-tenant law, compliance, and property management operations. This page covers New York eviction notices under RPAPL, RPL §226-c (Good Cause), and HSTPA (2019).
Disclaimer: The information and templates on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. While these templates include language derived from New York statutes, landlord-tenant law is complex and fact-specific. NYC, Westchester, Nassau, and other jurisdictions may impose additional requirements beyond state law. You should consult a qualified New York attorney before serving any legal notice. LeaseBase™ is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Use of these templates is at your own risk.