New York Tenant Rights

New York has some of the strongest tenant protections in the United States, particularly in New York City.

Last reviewed: March 20, 2026

Key Laws by Topic

Nonpayment Notice:: 14-day written rent demand before filing nonpayment proceeding (HSTPA 2019)
Just Cause Required:: Yes, for rent-stabilized and rent-controlled tenants. NYC Good Cause Eviction law (eff. 2024) extends some protections.
Rent Control:: Yes — NYC has extensive rent stabilization and rent control programs; many upstate cities have rent stabilization
Notice To Vacate:: 30-day notice for month-to-month tenancies of less than 1 year; 60 days for 1-2 years; 90 days for 2+ years (HSTPA)

Limit:: 1 month's rent maximum (statewide, HSTPA 2019)
Return Deadline:: 14 days after tenant vacates with itemized statement
Itemization Required:: Yes — failure to provide itemized statement forfeits landlord's right to deductions
Interest Required:: Yes, for buildings with 6+ units — must be held in interest-bearing account; interest credited to tenant annually
Bad Faith Penalty:: Landlord who fails to return deposit in good faith forfeits all deductions; court may award double damages

Repair And Deduct:: Limited repair-and-deduct right; rent abatement in court proceedings is more common
Rent Withholding:: Tenant may assert warranty of habitability breach as defense in eviction to reduce rent owed
Notice Required:: Notice to landlord required; NYC tenants may also contact the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
Habitability Standards:: Weatherproofing, heat, hot water, plumbing, electrical, structural integrity, freedom from pests and lead hazards
Nyc Specific:: NYC has more specific standards: 68°F heat Oct 1 – May 31 (6am–10pm), 55°F nighttime minimum

Retaliation Prohibited:: Yes — statewide prohibition on retaliatory conduct under Real Prop. Law § 223-b
Nyc Harassment:: NYC has specific harassment statute with 10 defined prohibited acts and civil penalties
Penalties:: Actual damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees; NYC adds civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation
Self Help Prohibited:: Lockouts, utility cutoffs, and removal of belongings all prohibited statewide

Notice Required:: Reasonable advance notice required (NYC Admin Code references reasonable notice; 24 hours is the standard in practice)
Permissible Entry Reasons:: Repairs, inspections, showing unit, emergencies
Emergency Entry:: Permitted without advance notice for genuine emergencies
Nyc Specific:: NYC Admin Code specifically protects against unauthorized entry and requires reasonable notice

New York City (all five boroughs)

New York City

Upstate New York

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