Deposits: identify the housing regime
The Attorney General’s guide states a one-month security-deposit limit. Its nonregulated-unit section describes return of remaining security and an itemized damages receipt within 14 days after moving out; if the damages receipt is not provided in time, it says the full deposit must be returned. Do not apply that 14-day rule to every home: the guide distinguishes rent-regulated return at lease end or a reasonable time thereafter.
Ask before signing
Is the unit rent stabilized, rent controlled, nonregulated or in a housing program? How does the deposit clause reflect that regime?
Late fees: amount and timing
The Attorney General cites Real Property Law 238-a: rent is late for this purpose only when received more than five days after the due date, and the maximum late fee is $50 or 5% of monthly rent, whichever is less. At $1,200 rent, that calculation is $50; at $800 it is $40. Do not treat this calculation as approval for other housing-program charges.
Ask before signing
Does the lease charge earlier or stack daily fees beyond the stated amount?
Entry and privacy
The Attorney General’s general privacy guidance describes reasonable prior notice, a reasonable time and tenant consent for routine or agreed repairs/services or access under the lease, with an emergency exception. This guide does not invent a universal statewide 24- or 48-hour interval. More specific covered-access rules in current Good Cause guidance need their own scope.
Ask before signing
What written notice process will we use for ordinary access, and how are emergencies distinguished?
Repairs and livable conditions
The Attorney General describes an implied warranty of habitability in residential written and oral leases: safe, sanitary and livable conditions, with a tenant-caused-condition exception. It cannot be waived. Reasonable repair time depends on severity; this guide does not supply a fixed statewide repair deadline or advice to deduct or withhold rent.
Ask before signing
How do I report a condition, preserve the request and escalate an urgent safety issue?
Renewal, Good Cause and early departure
The general guide describes 30/60/90-day landlord notices for increases above 5% or nonrenewal based on occupancy or lease term; determine the exact applicable tier from the official guidance. Good Cause can change whether a landlord may refuse renewal at all. It applies in New York City and opted-in localities, with significant exceptions such as certain small-landlord, owner-occupied, regulated and program properties. For covered homes, lease expiration alone is not a sufficient qualifying reason. Consult the current official Good Cause guidance linked below for participating localities, coverage exceptions and annual rent thresholds before deciding whether your home is covered. For early departure, the general guide describes a good-faith effort to fill the vacancy; a new tenancy at equal or higher rent ends original rent liability. That is not an immediate free exit.
Ask before signing
What rider or notice explains the unit’s Good Cause or regulated status? What remains due if I leave early?
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Frequently asked questions
Is this clause legal in New York?
Exact wording, dates, property coverage, local rules and the facts matter. These sources help you ask questions; an AI flag is not an enforceability decision. Ask a licensed local attorney for advice on your circumstances.
Does every New York deposit have a 14-day deadline?
No. The Attorney General scopes the newer 14-day rule to nonregulated units and separately describes rent-regulated return timing.
Can a landlord refuse renewal solely because the lease expired?
Not for a covered Good Cause home without a qualifying reason. Determine coverage and exceptions from current government guidance.
How is the late-fee amount calculated?
Use the lesser of $50 and 5% of monthly rent under the Attorney General’s guidance: $50 on $1,200 rent, or $40 on $800 rent, after the stated timing condition.