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Lease Agreement for New York

Generate a lease agreement that complies with New York law, with NY-specific clauses, legal requirements, and jurisdiction-aware protections.

New York legal context

New York has some of the strongest tenant protection laws in the nation, particularly after the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (HSTPA). New York City has additional protections through the Rent Stabilization Law. Statewide, there are strict limits on security deposits, late fees, and eviction procedures.

What's required

  • Security Deposit Limitations (HSTPA 2019)

    NY Real Prop. Law § 7-108 (as amended by HSTPA 2019); NY Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-103

  • Warranty of Habitability

    NY Real Prop. Law § 235-b; Park West Mgmt. Corp. v. Mitchell, 47 N.Y.2d 316 (1979)

  • Termination Notice Requirements

    NY Real Prop. Law § 226-c (HSTPA 2019)

  • Rent Stabilization Notice (NYC)

    NYC Admin. Code § 26-501 et seq.; 9 NYCRR § 2522.5

  • Lead Paint Disclosure

    42 U.S.C. § 4852d; NYC Local Law 1 of 2004

What's prohibited

  • Waiver of warranty of habitability

    The warranty of habitability under NY Real Property Law § 235-b is non-waivable. Any lease provision purporting to waive this warranty is void.

  • Security deposit exceeding one month's rent

    The HSTPA (2019) limits security deposits to one month's rent for all residential tenancies. Additional deposits, fees, or charges used to circumvent this limit are prohibited.

  • Late fee exceeding $50 or 5% of monthly rent

    Under the HSTPA, late fees for rent-stabilized tenants cannot exceed $50 or 5% of the monthly rent (whichever is less). Late fees cannot be charged until the rent is 5 or more days overdue.

Key NY statutes

  • Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA)

    N.Y. RPL § 238-a et seq.

    Comprehensive tenant protection law limiting security deposits, late fees, and strengthening eviction protections.

  • Security Deposit Law

    N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108

    Limits security deposits to one month's rent and requires return within 14 days.

  • Rent Stabilization Law (NYC)

    NYC Admin. Code § 26-501 et seq.

    Rent regulation framework for covered units in New York City.

New York-specific considerations

  • One Month Security Deposit Maximum

    HSTPA limits security deposits to one month's rent statewide, no exceptions for furnished or luxury units.

  • 14-Day Deposit Return

    Landlords must return security deposits within 14 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions.

  • Late Fee Restrictions

    Late fees cannot exceed $50 or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less. Fees cannot be charged until rent is 5+ days late.

  • Warranty of Habitability

    New York law implies a warranty of habitability in all residential leases, which cannot be waived.

Why this matters in New York

  • Security deposits capped at one month's rent statewide

  • 14-day deposit return requirement (stricter than most states)

  • Strict late fee limitations ($50 or 5% cap)

  • Non-waivable warranty of habitability

  • NYC rent stabilization for covered apartments

Frequently asked questions

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