New York • Updated 2025
New York Lease Agreement Template
Free, state-specific lease agreement template fully compliant with New York law. Download instantly in PDF or Word format — no email required.
Lease Agreements in New York
New York has some of the strongest tenant protections in the United States, codified in the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (HSTPA). The law significantly strengthened tenant rights regarding security deposits, application fees, lease renewals, and eviction procedures.
New York City and many municipalities have rent stabilization and rent control programs that impose additional requirements. In New York City, over one million apartments are subject to rent stabilization, which limits annual rent increases and requires lease renewals.
Security deposits are capped at one month's rent for most residential tenancies statewide (under HSTPA). Deposits must be returned within 14 days of the tenancy ending.
New York Lease Agreement Key Facts
Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rent (HSTPA 2019)
Deposit Return Deadline
14 days after tenancy ends
Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month
30 days (under 1 year); 60 days (1–2 years); 90 days (2+ years)
Rent Stabilization (NYC)
Applies to ~1 million NYC apartments; limits rent increases
Eviction Notice (Non-Payment)
14-Day Rent Demand
Landlord Entry Notice
Reasonable notice required (no statutory minimum in most cases)
Late Fee Limit
$50 or 5% of monthly rent (whichever is less)
Governing Law
Real Property Law, Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL)
New York Legal Requirements
- ✓Security deposits must be placed in an interest-bearing account and interest paid to tenant annually (for buildings with 6+ units).
- ✓Landlords must provide a written receipt for the security deposit.
- ✓Lead paint disclosure is required for properties built before 1978.
- ✓New York City requires window guards upon request if children under 10 reside in the unit.
- ✓Landlords must provide a move-in inspection checklist.
- ✓Application fees are capped at the actual cost of the background/credit check (no more than $20).
- ✓Landlords must provide notice of rent increases meeting HSTPA requirements.
New York Governing Laws
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108
Security Deposits — One Month Limit
Under the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, security deposits for most residential tenancies are capped at one month's rent. Landlords must return deposits within 14 days with an itemized statement of deductions.
N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 235-b
Warranty of Habitability
Implies a warranty that the premises are fit for human habitation and for the uses reasonably intended by the parties. The landlord may not waive this warranty.
N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 226-c
Notice of Rent Increase or Non-Renewal
Requires landlords to provide 30, 60, or 90 days' notice (depending on tenancy length) of rent increases or non-renewal of lease. Failure to provide proper notice bars the landlord from proceeding with the eviction.
New York Lease Agreement — FAQ
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Legal Disclaimer
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may have changed — consult a licensed New York attorney for complex situations.