New York Standard Residential Lease Agreement Template

Maximum Amount: 1 month’s rent (§ 7-108(1-a)(a)). This security deposit cap does not apply to owner-occupied cooperative apartments.

• Receipt Required? Yes. Landlords must provide a written receipt detailing the deposit amount, date, and bank name/address (GOL § 7-103(1)). For properties with 6 or more units, landlords must hold deposits in interest-bearing accounts and pay tenants annual interest, minus a 1% landlord administrative fee (GOL § 7-103(2-a)).

Return Period: The landlord must return the security deposit (plus applicable interest) within 14 days after the tenant vacates the premises (§ 7-108(1-a)(e)).

• Itemized List Required? Yes. If withholding any portion for unpaid rent, utilities, or actual property damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord must deliver an itemized written statement within the same 14-day window (§ 7-108(1-a)(e))

Bedbug Infestation History: Prior to lease signing, landlords must disclose any history of bedbug infestations (§ 27-2018.1).

Smoking Policy Lease Rider (New York City): Landlords of New York City residential buildings with 3 or more units must disclose in writing where smoking and electronic cigarette use is permitted or prohibited across the property and attach this policy as a lease rider (§ 17-506.1).

Flood History and Risk Notice: The lease statewide must contain explicit written notice disclosing whether the unit is located in a FEMA 100-year or 500-year floodplain, whether the property has experienced prior flood damage, and a mandatory warning regarding the availability of tenant flood insurance (§ 231-b).

Gas Leak Notice & Emergency Procedure (New York City): New York City landlords must attach a lease notice instructing tenants on emergency procedures to follow if they suspect a gas leak, alongside required testing and maintenance rules for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (§ 27-2005(2)(f))

• Combined Gas Leak, Smoke, and Carbon Monoxide Notice: Landlords of multi-family buildings (3+ units) can use this document to satisfy gas leak, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector lease disclosures all in one document.
• Standalone Suspected Gas Leak Notice: Used for any tenant-occupied dwellings, including 1- and 2- family homes.

Good Cause Eviction Law Notice: Landlords operating in jurisdictions that have adopted or fall under the state Good Cause Eviction Law must attach a standardized notice to all initial and renewal leases stating whether the unit is covered by or exempt from eviction protection limits (RPL § 231-c).

Indoor Allergen Hazards (New York City): In New York City multi-family buildings (3+ units), landlords must provide an HPD lease rider detailing landlord responsibilities to inspect for and remediate indoor allergen hazards, including mold, mice, and cockroaches (§ 27-2017.6).

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For residential structures constructed before January 1, 1978, landlords must distribute the federal EPA Lead Hazard Pamphlet (PDF) and disclose any known lead-based paint hazards before lease execution (40 CFR § 745.113).

• In New York City, landlords of pre-1960 multi-family buildings must include a   Lead Paint Lease Notice inquiring if a child under 6 will reside in the unit (§ 27-2056.4)

Notice of Tenants’ Rights to Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities: Landlords are required to provide all new and prospective tenants with written disclosure detailing their legal rights to request reasonable accommodations or physical modifications for disabilities (§ 296(18-a)).

Pre-Occupancy Inspection Offer: After the lease is signed but before the tenant moves in, the landlord must notify the tenant in writing of their right to request an initial joint inspection of the unit to document any pre-existing damage (§ 7-108(1-a)(c)). Tenants and landlords can use this Move-In / Move-Out Checklist to carry out an inspection.

Rent Stabilization Lease Rider (if applicable): For rent-stabilized units, landlords must attach the applicable state-issued lease rider detailing legal rent calculations and tenant rights (§ 2522.5(c)(1)).

• New York City: Attach form RA LR1.
• Non-New York City Municipalities: Attach form RA-LR1 EPTA.

Sprinkler System Notice: All residential leases feature a conspicuous notice stating whether an operative sprinkler system is installed on the premises and providing the date of its last inspection (RPL § 231-a).

Stove Knob Covers Notice (New York City): In New York City multi-family buildings (3+ units), landlords must provide a lease notice inquiring if a child 10 or under resides in the unit. Landlords must install approved window guards if a child 10 or under lives there or upon any tenant’s written request (§ 27-2043.1).

Window Guard Notice (New York City): In New York City multi-family buildings (3+ units), landlords must provide a lease notice inquiring if a child 10 or under resides in the unit. Landlords must install approved window guards if a child 10 or under lives there or upon any tenant’s written request (§ 27-2046.4).