Simple Guide to Your New York Residential Lease

This guide explains your lease in everyday language. It is meant to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, but it does not replace the actual lease.

Who is Signing the Lease?

The lease is an agreement between you (the tenant) and the landlord. It includes:

• The address of the rental property
• The monthly rent
• The security deposit amount
• The lease start and end dates
• The names of everyone who is allowed to live in the apartment

Paying Rent

• Rent is due every month.
• You pay the security deposit when you sign the lease.
• If the landlord cannot let you move in on the agreed date, you do not have to start paying rent until the apartment is available.

Utilities

You are responsible for paying the utilities listed in the lease, such as:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Other utilities that serve only your apartment

Who Can Live in the Apartment?

Only the people listed on the lease may live there.
You cannot:

• Move someone else in without permission.
• Rent the apartment to someone else (sublet).
• Transfer your lease to another person.

Parking

If parking is included with your apartment:

• The lease will say whether you have a parking space.
• Your vehicle must be registered with the landlord.

Moving Out

If you decide to move:

• Give your landlord at least 30 days’ written notice.
• If you do not provide proper notice, you may lose part or all of your security deposit and may have to continue paying rent until the required notice period ends or the apartment is rented to someone else.

Reasons the Landlord Can End the Lease

The landlord may end the lease if you:

• Do not pay rent.
• Repeatedly pay rent late.
• Damage the apartment.
• Allow someone to live there without permission.
• Break important lease rules.
• Participate in illegal activities on the property.
• Seriously disturb your neighbors.

The landlord must follow New York law and provide proper written notice before ending the lease.

Following the Rules

You agree to follow the property’s rules.
If the landlord changes the rules:

• You must receive 60 days’ notice.
• If you do not agree with the new rules, the lease states that you may choose to end your lease.

Taking Care of the Apartment

You are expected to:

• Keep your apartment clean.
• Help keep shared areas clean.
• Use appliances, plumbing, and fixtures properly.
• Pay for damage caused by you, your family, or your guests.
• Remove all of your belongings when you move out.

Repairs

The landlord is responsible for normal maintenance.
You are responsible for paying for repairs if the damage was caused by you or your guests.

Making Changes

Do not paint, remodel, or make changes to the apartment without the landlord’s written permission.
If changes are approved, you may have to leave them behind or remove them before moving out.

Your Property

The landlord is generally not responsible if your personal belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged.
It is a good idea to purchase renter’s insurance to protect your belongings.

Fire or Other Major Damage

If the apartment cannot be lived in because of a fire or another disaster:

• You do not have to pay rent while it is uninhabitable.
• If only part of the apartment can be used, you may pay reduced rent.
• If you or your guests caused the damage, you may have to pay for repairs.

When the Landlord Can Enter

The landlord may enter the apartment:

• To inspect or make repairs.
• To show the apartment to future renters or buyers.
• Usually after giving at least three days’ notice, unless there is an emergency.

Keys and Locks

• Do not change the locks without permission.
• Return all keys when you move out.
• Missing keys may result in charges to replace the locks.

Written Notices

Important communication between you and your landlord should always be in writing.

Moving In and Moving Out

Before you move in:

• You and the landlord should inspect the apartment together.

When you move out:

• The landlord will inspect the apartment for damage.
• You may attend the inspection.
• The landlord should provide a written list of any damages.

After the Lease Ends

When the lease ends, it automatically becomes a month-to-month rental unless either you or the landlord ends the tenancy according to the lease.

Final Reminder

Before signing:

• Read the lease carefully.
• Ask questions if something is unclear.
• Keep a signed copy of the lease for your records.
• Take photos of the apartment when you move in and when you move out.
• Consider purchasing renter’s insurance to protect your belongings.

Bringing on tenants is important.

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