Know your rights! New York rent laws you must know about

Moving to NYC and finding the right apartment for you might be an overwhelming experience, knowing all the important information and state laws will definitely help to make it a bit easier. We gathered the most important New York laws you should know about in order to make your move and life much simpler and stress-free.

Pay your broker

A broker fee inside New York City is not only legal but customary, you should expect a fee running between half a month's worth and up to 15% of the yearly rent. Although there are ways of finding a decent apartment without a broker, the only effective way is with a co-living company like roomrs. Otherwise, you should definitely expect to pay a broker fee to an extent.

Co-living is an amazing solution to find a great place in a good area and without extra fees, just keep in mind that not all companies are trustworthy so we recommend you make an educated choice in order to find the best solution for you.

Deposits have limits

As of 2019, security deposits are limited to one month’s rent. Landlords can no longer ask for unreasonable amounts and keep the money for a long period of time. The deposit must be returned to you within 14 days of leaving the apartment. New York rent laws also obligate the landlord to give within the same time period an itemized statement covering the deductions they made to the full amount.

Some landlords might not be fully well informed about all the new laws and regulations, so make sure you know your rights in order to prevent unnecessary payments and fees. New York rent laws changed significantly in the past few years so they actually might miss a thing or two, make sure you don’t.

Fees and taxes

Most landlords require a credit or background check (or both) before approval, they are allowed to charge up to $20 for each. They must provide you with a copy of the credit or background check made, and give you an invoice from any company that performed the test required. Legally, you can perform the check with any company you desire, as long as it is done within 30 days of applying for the apartment.

In the past, there was a charge named ‘Key Money’, it was an additional fee within the security deposit, that unlike the deposit - the landlords kept the full amount to themselves. Today, it is completely illegal to ask for ‘Key Money’ inside New York. It is not an application fee that some places charge, which can reach up to $500 or more, and is protected by law. When you are asked to pay, just ask what the purpose is, so you can make sure it’s obligated, and not illegal.

Heat and Hot

Like many places in America, hot water must be covered by the landlord and should reach at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In some cases, the apartment is equipped with a device to prevent the water from exceeding a dangerous level, for those which the law allows up to 110 degrees. Although cold water is never hard to acquire, the law states that the landlords must make sure you have access to them as well.

Heating for any apartment should also be provided, and although it is obligated to provide heating only between October 1st through May 31st, most landlords leave the option open the entire year.

Other utilities like electricity and internet are not included most of the time, but some landlords offer them as an added value to their apartments. Co-living in some specific companies like Roomrs offer full utility coverage, so it might reach a sum of a few hundred dollars saved per month.

About Roomrs Providing flexible lease terms and stylish furnishings, Roomrs’ mission is to make every newcomer to NYC as comfortable as possible from day one while maintaining a standard for sustainability that rivals traditional leases. All of our apartments are located in the most appealing neighborhoods of NYC, spanning from the work-hard-play-hard area of Manhattan to the quiet, and upbeat lifestyle of Brooklyn; we’re sure to offer you an apartment that you’ll love. find out more about the benefits of co-living!