Posts by Jeffrey McAdams
When Can You Seek a Rent Reduction in New York City?
Any tenant has the right to negotiate a rent decrease, especially if you look at advertised rental rates for units like yours and see that they’re significantly lower than what you are paying. If you’re a model tenant who pays your rent in time, it may be worth it to your property manager to keep…
Read MoreCan You Terminate Your Lease as a Victim of Domestic Violence in NYC?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you probably have a need to move to a new location relatively quickly, regardless of your lease status. Fortunately, New York law recognizes that fact. Leaving Your Apartment According to New York’s Real Property Law, Article 7, you may break your lease if you are the beneficiary…
Read MoreWhen is a Rent Increase Legal in NYC?
Recently The New York Times reported that rents will rise for at least 3.25% for 2 million New Yorkers. While NYC has some laws that help protect New Yorkers against some rent increases, by and large landlords still have a lot of latitude to make changes. When it’s legal to raise rents, and by how…
Read MoreWhat Are Your Rights as a Month-to-Month Tenant in NYC?
Month-to-month tenancy is a precarious position to be in. There are reasons why you might want to choose this rental option, but it can leave you without an apartment if you’re not careful. In a month-to-month tenancy, either party can terminate the tenancy with just 30 days notice. Neither party has to explain why the…
Read MoreWhat Are the Advantages of Renewing Your NYC Lease?
You’ve lived in your New York City apartment for the one year or two year term outlined by your lease. Now your lease is up for renewal. Should you do it? Here’s everything you need to know. Notification Period You’ll have a little bit of time to make decisions about your lease. The landlord is…
Read More6 Provisions That Aren’t Allowed in NYC Leases
As a renter in New York City, you have many rights and protections. Lawmakers often take steps to prevent landlords from setting predatory terms for renters who have few other options for housing when buildings are at such a premium here in the city. One of those steps was to prevent landlords from putting certain…
Read MoreIn the News: New York City Council Considers Bill to End Criminal Background Checks on Potential Tenants
The bill hasn’t passed yet, but Int 2047-2020 would “prohibit housing discrimination in rentals, sales, leases, subleases, or occupancy agreements in New York City on the basis of arrest record or criminal history. Landlords, owners, agents, employees, and real estate brokers would be prohibited from obtaining criminal record information at any stage in the process.” …
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