New York Required Lease Disclosures: A Renter’s Guide

If you are renting an apartment or house in New York, it's important to know your rights when it comes to lease disclosures. New York State law requires landlords to share certain information with renters before signing or renewing a residential lease. This information protects you, ensures transparency, and helps avoid misunderstandings. Here’s what you need to know, explained in plain language.

What Disclosures Are Landlords Required to Provide?

By law, your landlord must give you specific lease disclosures before or during the signing of your lease agreement. These help you understand vital safety, environmental, and legal details about your home. The main required disclosures in New York as of 2024 include:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for housing built before 1978)
• Bedbug Infestation Disclosure (for New York City only)
• Security Deposit Notice
• Sprinkler System Disclosure
• Stove Knob Cover Notice (for tenants with children under 6 in NYC)
• Notice of Indoor Air Quality Hazards (if applicable)
• Certificate of Occupancy (for certain rentals in NYC)

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form—Protecting Your Health

If your rental unit was built before 1978, the landlord must provide a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA Form 747-K-099). This form warns renters of any known lead paint hazards. You should receive:

• The official disclosure form, signed by both landlord and renter
• "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" EPA pamphlet (download here)

Example: If you’re renting a pre-1978 apartment, make sure you receive and sign this form before moving in.

2. Bedbug Infestation Disclosure—For NYC Renters

For rentals located within New York City, landlords must provide the Bedbug Disclosure Form (NYC HPD Form) with information about any bedbug infestations in the past year. This allows renters to be aware of potential pest issues before moving in.

Example: When you sign or renew a lease in NYC, your landlord must complete and share this bedbug disclosure.

3. Security Deposit Notice

New York State requires that landlords tell you where your security deposit will be held (bank name and address) and if it earns interest. You should receive this notice in your lease or as a standalone document, particularly in buildings with six or more units (NYS Tenant Rights Guide).

4. Sprinkler System Disclosure

The lease must state if there is a sprinkler system installed within the apartment, and when it was last maintained or inspected. This disclosure is required for all residential leases across the state. Review the language in your lease regarding this for your own fire safety knowledge.

5. Stove Knob Cover Notice (NYC, Children Under 6)

If you are renting in New York City and have a child under 6, your landlord must inform you in writing about the availability of stove knob covers and provide them upon request (NYC Lead-Based Paint Requirements).

6. Certificate of Occupancy (NYC Only)

For some New York City apartments (including most units built after 1938), the landlord must provide a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy upon request—proving the unit is legally allowed to be lived in. This can affect your rights and any future disputes regarding habitability.

Official New York Lease Disclosure Forms and Where to Find Them

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA Form 747-K-099): Download from the EPA
• NYC Bedbug Disclosure Form (HPD): Download from NYC HPD

What If a Landlord Fails to Provide a Required Disclosure?

If your landlord does not provide any of the required disclosures, you may have grounds for complaint or legal action. In New York, the main authority for resolving disputes between renters and landlords is the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). For New York City, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) also oversees tenant protections and housing conditions.

Consider these steps if needed:

• Contact your landlord in writing and request the necessary disclosure forms
• If you do not receive the required forms, file a complaint with DHCR or (in NYC) HPD

Relevant Legislation

New York’s lease disclosure requirements are found in the New York State Real Property Law (RPL) and local regulations such as the New York City Administrative Code. The most commonly referenced sections include RPL §231-a (sprinkler disclosure), RPL §235-f (security deposit), and NYC Administrative Code §27-2018.2 (lead-based paint).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord doesn’t give me a required disclosure?
   If you do not receive a required lease disclosure, ask your landlord in writing for the form or notice. If you still do not receive it, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal or, if in NYC, with NYC HPD.
2. Do I need to sign the lead-based paint disclosure?
   Yes. If your unit was built before 1978, both you and the landlord must sign the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form before you move in or renew your lease.
3. Are these disclosures required for every residential rental in New York?
   Most disclosures apply statewide, but some (like bedbug and stove knob notices) apply only to New York City or in specific circumstances, such as the age of the building or the presence of young children.
4. How can I report a landlord who refuses to comply?
   You can report non-compliance by contacting DHCR statewide or HPD within New York City. Each agency offers online complaint forms and hotlines for tenant assistance.
5. Where can I view the law on lease disclosures?
   Visit the New York State Real Property Law online for full legislative details, or review the official tenant guidance from NY.gov.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New York Renters

• Landlords must provide specific disclosures, including lead, bedbugs (NYC), and security deposit details
• Always ask for and keep copies of each signed form
• If you do not receive the required disclosures, you can file a complaint with DHCR or NYC HPD

Staying informed about your lease rights helps ensure a safer and more transparent renting experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR): Main tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes in New York State
• NY Governor’s Tenant Rights Page: Up-to-date guide for renters statewide
• NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD): For NYC renters, including complaints and housing information
• EPA Lead Disclosure Resources: Federal information on lead-based paint rules

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1. New York State Real Property Law (RPL): Official Text
2. New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR): Official Website
3. NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD): NYC HPD
4. EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: EPA Rules
5. NY Governor’s Tenant Rights: Tenant Rights Guide

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