Required Landlord Disclosures for New York Renters

If you're preparing to rent in New York, it's critical to understand what information your landlord is legally obligated to share before you move in. These disclosures protect your rights and ensure transparency from day one in your new home. This guide explains the required landlord disclosures for New York renters, with practical examples, links to official forms, and references to current tenant laws and state resources.

Key Disclosures Landlords Must Provide Before Move-In in New York

New York State law requires landlords to give renters several important disclosures before the lease begins. These disclosures promote safety, public health, and awareness of your legal protections.

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for Pre-1978 Buildings)

• Who it applies to: Any rental unit built before 1978.
• What’s required: The landlord must provide an EPA-approved Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (no official NY form number; federal requirement).
• How it’s used: Before signing a lease, the renter should receive the completed form along with the EPA's lead hazard information booklet (Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home).
• Example: If you're moving into a Brooklyn brownstone built in 1925, your landlord must give you this disclosure and the booklet before you sign the lease.

2. Security Deposit Disclosure

• Who it applies to: All residential leases.
• What’s required: Under the New York General Obligations Law § 7-103, your landlord must tell you where your security deposit is held (name and address of the bank), and whether the account earns interest.
• How it’s used: This notice should be given in writing, either in your lease or as a separate document.
• Example: When handing over your deposit, you receive a letter stating it's held at 'Bank of New York, Main Branch' in a separate account.

3. Bedbug Infestation Disclosure (New York City only)

• Who it applies to: Rentals in New York City.
• What’s required: NYC landlords must provide the New York City Bedbug Disclosure Form (no state-wide form number).
• How it’s used: This document reveals any bedbug infestations in the building/unit in the past year.
• Example: If you're renting in Queens, your landlord should hand you this form with your lease paperwork.

4. Sprinkler System Disclosure

• Who it applies to: All residential leases statewide.
• What’s required: As per New York Real Property Law § 231-a, landlords must state in your lease whether there’s a sprinkler system, and the date of last maintenance/service.
• How it’s used: This must appear directly in your signed lease agreement.
• Example: Renting an apartment in Albany, your lease says "No sprinkler system is installed in this unit."

5. Other Important Disclosures

• Flood Risk Disclosure: Effective June 21, 2023, landlords must disclose any known flood history or present flood risk for the property (see Senate Bill S5472).
• Smoking Policy Disclosure: Multi-unit buildings must disclose their building-wide smoking policy, typically within the lease.

Summary: Most disclosures are presented when you sign your lease or provided as part of the lease packet. Ask questions before signing, especially about bedbugs, lead paint, and deposit handling.

Common Official Forms for New York Renters

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form - No specific NYS form number (federal); official sample here. Used at lease signing for pre-1978 buildings.
• NYC Bedbug Disclosure Form - NYC DOHMH form. NYC only, must be attached to or accompany your lease.

What If a Landlord Fails to Provide Required Disclosures?

If you didn’t receive one or more legally required disclosures, you have options for recourse. Typically, this includes:

• Requesting the missing disclosure(s) in writing
• Reporting serious violations—like failure to disclose lead paint—to the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) or, in NYC, calling 311
• Consulting the New York City Housing Court or a local tenants' rights group

Major disclosure violations, especially regarding safety or health (lead, bedbugs, flood risk), could give you rights to repair, withhold rent, or even terminate your lease in some cases (consult the New York Real Property Law for details).

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant-Landlord Matters in New York?

Most renter-landlord disputes in New York are managed by the New York City Housing Court (NYC) and the New York State Civil Court elsewhere. Statewide, administrative matters (like rent regulation or complaint investigations) are handled by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).

FAQ: New York Rental Disclosures

1. Do all New York landlords have to provide a lead paint disclosure?
   Yes, if the rental unit was built before 1978, it's required by federal law—regardless of the landlord's size or whether you ask.
2. Can my landlord withhold the security deposit disclosure until move-in?
   No. You have the right to know where your deposit is held before or at lease signing.
3. What if my NYC landlord didn’t give me the bedbug disclosure form?
   Ask in writing right away. If they refuse, you can contact 311 or seek help through Housing Court or local agencies.
4. How can I check if my building has a sprinkler system?
   Sprinkler system status and last service date must be stated in your lease—ask your landlord if this is unclear.
5. Does New York require landlords to tell renters about flooding risks?
   Yes, as of 2023, landlords must disclose known flood history and current risks before you sign the lease.

Key Takeaways for New York Renters

• Required disclosures help protect your health, finances, and rental rights.
• Review all forms and disclosures before signing your lease; don’t hesitate to ask questions.
• You can request missing disclosures and contact tenant support resources or local agencies as needed.

Stay informed about your rights—getting the right disclosures up front supports a safer, more confident renting experience in New York.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NY Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR) Office of Rent Administration – for rent disputes, complaints, and tenant info statewide
• NYC Housing Court – for tenant-landlord matters in New York City
• NYC 311 – report bedbug or disclosure issues in NYC
• NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation & Development (Bedbug Info)
• EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Overview
• Full Text: New York Real Property Law

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1. New York Real Property Law (RPL)
2. New York General Obligations Law § 7-103
3. U.S. EPA: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
4. Flood Disclosure: NY Senate Bill S5472 (2023)
5. NYC Bedbug Disclosure Form

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