Laws by state / New York

New York landlord and tenant rules

The figures that decide most disputes between New York landlords and tenants, each with a calculator and the statute behind it.

Verified against the statutes 2026-10-22By RentByState Research

Rule	New York	Statute	Tool
Maximum security deposit	1 month's rent	N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108; § 7-103	Deposit rules
Deposit return deadline	14 days after the tenant vacates, with an itemized statement of any deductions; failure to provide both within 14 days forfeits the right to retain any part of the deposit	N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108; § 7-103	Deposit rules
Interest on the deposit	Required	N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108; § 7-103	New York interest calculator
Maximum late fee	Lesser of $50 or 5% after a 5-day grace period	N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 238-a	Late fee calculator
Landlord notice, month-to-month	30 days	N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 226-c; § 232-a; § 232-b; RPAPL § 711(2); RPL Art. 6-A §§ 210-218 (Good Cause Eviction)	Notice calculator
Tenant notice, month-to-month	30 days	N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 226-c; § 232-a; § 232-b; RPAPL § 711(2); RPL Art. 6-A §§ 210-218 (Good Cause Eviction)	Notice calculator
Rent increase notice	30 days	N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 226-c; § 232-a; § 232-b; RPAPL § 711(2); RPL Art. 6-A §§ 210-218 (Good Cause Eviction)	Notice calculator
Pay-or-quit notice	14 days	N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 226-c; § 232-a; § 232-b; RPAPL § 711(2); RPL Art. 6-A §§ 210-218 (Good Cause Eviction)	Notice calculator
Rent increase cap	NYC rent stabilization	Rent Stabilization Law; annual Rent Guidelines Board orders	NYC rent stabilization calculator

Security deposits in New York

New York limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. The deposit must be returned 14 days after the tenant vacates, with an itemized statement of any deductions; failure to provide both within 14 days forfeits the right to retain any part of the deposit. New York is one of the states that requires interest on the deposit. Interest-bearing account required only for buildings of 6 or more units (§ 7-103(2-a)); landlord may keep 1% per year as an administrative fee, rest to tenant annually or at lease end. Punitive damages up to 2x deposit for willful violations. Pre- and post-tenancy inspection rights. Rent-stabilized units governed by § 7-107. Enacted by HSTPA 2019; no amendments found for 2024-2026. Full deposit rules and move-out checklist.

Late fees in New York

New York caps late fees at the lesser of $50.00 or 5% of the monthly rent. Rent must be at least 5 days late before any fee may be charged. Calculate the maximum fee.

Notice periods in New York

A New York landlord must give 30 days’ written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, and the tenant must give the same. A rent increase needs 30 days’ notice. For nonpayment, the landlord must serve a 14-day notice to pay or quit before filing for eviction. Calculate the effective date of a notice.

Rent increase limits in New York

NYC rent stabilization: The Rent Guidelines Board votes each June on the allowable increase for one-year and two-year leases starting 1 October.

Deposit interest in New York

New York: The prevailing rate paid by the bank holding the deposit, minus 1% the landlord may keep. Landlords of buildings with six or more units (including New York City), and any landlord who voluntarily holds the deposit in an interest-bearing account.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New York?

1 month's rent. Interest-bearing account required only for buildings of 6 or more units (§ 7-103(2-a)); landlord may keep 1% per year as an administrative fee, rest to tenant annually or at lease end. Punitive damages up to 2x deposit for willful violations. Pre- and post-tenancy inspection rights. Rent-stabilized units governed by § 7-107. Enacted by HSTPA 2019; no amendments found for 2024-2026.

What is the maximum late fee for rent in New York?

Lesser of $50 or 5%. Lesser of $50 or 5% of monthly rent; no late fee unless rent is unpaid more than 5 days after the due date; lease clauses waiving this are void. Application/background-check fee capped at $20 or actual cost.

How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in New York?

30 days’ written notice for a month-to-month tenancy. Landlord non-renewal/termination: 30 days if tenant has occupied under 1 year, 60 days for 1-2 years, 90 days for 2+ years (RPL § 226-c). Tenant: at least one month before end of term outside NYC (§ 232-b); 30 days in NYC (§ 232-a).

How long is a pay-or-quit notice in New York?

14 days. The tenant can stop the eviction by paying the full amount within that time.