New York City Lease Agreement (2025)

• Draft leases that clearly define rent amounts, due dates, and payment methods to avoid disputes.
• Include clauses covering noise, pet policies, and subletting to address common tenant concerns.
• Ensure compliance with rent stabilization laws if applicable, by registering units and adhering to allowable rent increases.
• Regularly inspect properties to ensure compliance with safety and habitability standards.

New York City’s rental market in 2025 is characterized by a slight decrease in vacancy rates, currently at around 3.5%, reflecting the sustained demand for housing. Popular neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Astoria, and the Upper East Side continue to attract renters due to their vibrant communities and accessibility. The landlord-tenant dynamics are evolving, with a noticeable shift towards tenant-friendly regulations. As the city continues to grow, both new and seasoned landlords must stay informed about the changing landscape to effectively manage their properties and meet tenant expectations.

• Return security deposits within 14 days after lease termination with an itemized statement as per New York General Obligations Law.
• Ensure the property meets safety and health standards, adhering to the New York Housing Maintenance Code.
• Provide tenants with a written receipt of rent payments if paid in cash, as required by state law.
• Deliver and maintain habitable premises, addressing any necessary repairs promptly.
• Give tenants a minimum of 24-hour notice before entering the rental unit, except in emergencies.
• Disclose any known lead-based paint hazards in buildings constructed before 1978, as mandated by federal and state law.

• Right to habitable premises under New York housing code, ensuring safe and livable conditions.
• Protection against unlawful eviction and the right to due process in any eviction proceedings.
• Right to privacy, with landlords required to provide notice before entry.
• Access to rent stabilization benefits in qualifying buildings, offering predictable rent increases.
• Right to withhold rent for necessary repairs that landlords fail to address after notice.
• Protection against discrimination based on race, gender, family status, and more, under the New York Human Rights Law.

In New York City, specific lease requirements include compliance with local rent control and stabilization laws, which apply to buildings with six or more units built before 1974. Landlords must register their rental properties with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Additionally, annual inspections for safety compliance are mandated, and failure to adhere can result in fines or penalties. Understanding these local ordinances is crucial for maintaining legal and operational standards in the city’s competitive rental market.

State: New York

City: New York City

Document Type: Residential Lease