If you are a senior citizen or have a disability, you may qualify for the NYC rent freeze program. Your apartment must be rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, hotel-stabilized, or Mitchell-Lama rent-regulated. You do not need your landlord’s permission to apply for the program, and your landlord may not prevent you from participating.  Public housing units are not…

Your landlord’s obligations are covered by New York’s heat laws and by the Truth in Heating Act.  Here’s what you need to know. The Truth in Heating Law New York’s Truth in Heating law has been in effect since January 1, 1981.  If you are a tenant in any New York City apartment where you’ll…

Landlords in New York City cannot prevent their tenants from having guests. New York’s Real Property Law protects your right to have guests spend the night for up to 30 days. Having guests is generally considered to be an ordinary use of the premises.  You don’t have to inform your landlord of what guests will…

During an eviction it may seem like the landlord has all the power, but the truth is tenants have rights even now. Those rights begin as soon as you have lived in the same place for 30 days or more, even if you did not sign a lease or are not a named party on…

A new landlord doesn’t have to mean trouble. In many cases, the sale of an apartment building is pretty routine. Most people who buy apartment buildings want tenants, and see your presence as an asset. Nevertheless, there are some legal issues you should be aware of. Here’s what you need to know.  Notification The Landlord…

Any tenant has the right to negotiate a rent decrease, especially if you look at advertised rental rates for units like yours and see that they’re significantly lower than what you are paying. If you’re a model tenant who pays your rent in time, it may be worth it to your property manager to keep…

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you probably have a need to move to a new location relatively quickly, regardless of your lease status. Fortunately, New York law recognizes that fact.  Leaving Your Apartment According to New York’s Real Property Law, Article 7, you may break your lease if you are the beneficiary…

Recently The New York Times reported that rents will rise for at least 3.25% for 2 million New Yorkers. While NYC has some laws that help protect New Yorkers against some rent increases, by and large landlords still have a lot of latitude to make changes.  When it’s legal to raise rents, and by how…

Month-to-month tenancy is a precarious position to be in. There are reasons why you might want to choose this rental option, but it can leave you without an apartment if you’re not careful.  In a month-to-month tenancy, either party can terminate the tenancy with just 30 days notice. Neither party has to explain why the…

You’ve lived in your New York City apartment for the one year or two year term outlined by your lease. Now your lease is up for renewal. Should you do it? Here’s everything you need to know.  Notification Period You’ll have a little bit of time to make decisions about your lease. The landlord is…