Landlord Rights in NY – What You Can and Can’t Do
Understanding New York Landlord-Tenant Laws
Owning rental property in Brooklyn and across New York comes with specific legal obligations. Understanding what you can and cannot do as a landlord ensures compliance with NYC’s strict rental laws and prevents costly lawsuits.
📌 Key Areas of Landlord Rights:
✔ Rent collection and lease enforcement.
✔ Property maintenance responsibilities.
✔ Legal eviction processes.
✔ Security deposit rules.
What Landlords CAN Do in New York
1️⃣ Enforce Lease Terms
✔ Landlords can set rental due dates, pet policies, and occupancy limits in a written lease.
✔ If a tenant violates a lease, landlords can begin the eviction process.
📌 Example: A Bay Ridge landlord can issue a 14-day demand for rent if a tenant fails to pay.
2️⃣ Collect and Hold Security Deposits
✔ Landlords must place security deposits in a separate bank account and return them within 14 days after a tenant moves out.
📌 Example: A Bensonhurst landlord renting out a 2-family home must provide a receipt and itemized deductions if keeping part of a deposit.
🔹 External Link Suggestion: NYC Housing Preservation & Development – Security Deposits
What Landlords CAN’T Do in New York
1️⃣ Conduct Illegal Evictions
✔ Landlords cannot lock tenants out, shut off utilities, or remove belongings.
✔ All evictions require a court order, even for non-payment of rent.
📌 Example: A Dyker Heights landlord cannot forcibly remove a tenant without first filing for eviction in Housing Court.
🔹 External Link Suggestion: NYC Housing Court – Eviction Process
2️⃣ Discriminate Against Tenants
✔ Landlords cannot refuse to rent based on race, gender, disability, family status, or source of income.
✔ NYC laws protect Section 8 and housing voucher tenants from discrimination.
📌 Example: A landlord in Gravesend cannot reject a tenant based on their sex, race or any other immutable characteristic.
Legal Tips for Brooklyn Landlords
✔ Keep detailed records of rent payments and lease agreements.
✔ Use written leases for all rental agreements.
✔ Always document tenant communication to avoid disputes.
✔ Consult an attorney before starting an eviction process.
📞 Need legal guidance as a Brooklyn landlord? Contact us today!
call:347-692-0222 | email: 7622LAW@gmail.com