Issue 01
HSTPA security deposit violations
Since the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, New York limits deposits to one month of rent. Leases demanding more, or demanding last month's rent on top, violate state law.
Understanding New York Lease Law in 2026
New York tenants benefit from some of the most protective housing laws in the country. The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) of 2019 fundamentally changed the landscape by capping security deposits at one month of rent, eliminating the landlord's ability to demand last month's rent or additional deposits of any kind. If your lease asks for more, that clause is void and unenforceable.
The deposit return timeline is also strictly regulated: landlords must return the deposit within 14 days of the tenant vacating the unit. They must provide an itemized statement of any deductions, and they cannot deduct for normal wear and tear. Violations of these rules can result in the landlord forfeiting their right to retain any portion of the deposit.
NYC Good Cause Eviction and Tenant Stability
In 2024, New York City enacted the Good Cause Eviction Law, which requires landlords to have a legitimate reason to refuse lease renewals or evict tenants. This law applies to most residential units not already covered by rent stabilization. It also caps rent increases at the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index, giving tenants meaningful protection against pricing displacement.
Leases in New York City must comply with both state and city-level tenant protections. Our AI analyzer checks your lease against HSTPA, the NYC Administrative Code, rent stabilization regulations, and local housing maintenance standards. The free scan highlights the most critical issues, and the full $4.99 report provides a clause-by-clause breakdown with citations, risk ratings, and a negotiation letter.
New York Termination Notice Requirements
New York requires landlords to provide advance written notice before terminating a tenancy. For tenants who have lived in a unit less than one year, 30 days' notice is required. For tenancies of one to two years, the notice period extends to 60 days, and for tenancies over two years, 90 days. These requirements apply regardless of whether the tenant has a written lease. Leases that specify shorter notice periods do not override the statutory minimums.