When you rent a home, there are numerous maintenance and administrative tasks that a landlord must cover on your behalf. Tenant protection laws ensure that the home or building is safe and structurally sound, including the routine upkeep and inspections that...
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Do I have to give my landlord a key?
Renting and dealing with landlords can feel like the wild west. It can be difficult to determine what landlords are saying and if it has legal validity. One question we often get is, “Do I have to give my landlord a key to my apartment?” New York Multiple Dwelling Law...
What are the differences between IAIs and MCIs?
If you are rent-regulated, there are a limited number of reasons your landlord may legally raise your rent, other than as part of a rent renewal. And one reason that comes up fairly frequently is to pay for improvements to the building. While improvements may sound...
5 crucial things to understand about your security deposit
Moving – especially in New York City – often requires sizable upfront costs. Things like hiring movers and renting trucks can be expensive. On top of that, you probably will need to pay a security deposit when signing your lease. A security deposit can be a hefty sum....
Is your landlord using one-click eviction software?
Since 2013, evictions in New York City have dropped by 41%, largely in response to the new law guaranteeing tenants the right to counsel when their landlords attempt to evict them. Then, in a landmark package of protections, the state of New York abolished high-rent...
What to do if your landlord is harassing you
Imagine coming home to your apartment. You’ve had a long day and you just want to take a hot shower, sit on your couch, watch TV and just relax. But instead of finding comfort and peace at home, you are met with harassment from your landlord. Sadly, too many tenants...
Mistakes landlords make when trying to evict a tenant
The fear of losing your home in an eviction is something that many New Yorkers have battled. You might get behind on rent or get into an argument with your landlord, and suddenly, it can feel like you are on the threshold of losing your apartment. However, while...
What is ‘normal wear and tear’?
One of the best aspects of living in New York City is everything outside your home. However, people also want to make the inside of their home just as enjoyable. People decorate, change things and add life to their apartments. While this is something every person...
5 things every tenant should ask landlords before moving in
If you are getting ready to move into a new apartment, you probably have a lot to think about. Where are you going to live? How much will it cost? When will you be able to move in? While you have these and many other questions to answer, don’t forget to have your...
Something smells fishy: What to do when smells ruin an apartment
Dealing with some unpleasantness is unavoidable when you live in New York City. You might not love the traffic or the noise, but they are inescapable consequences of living in the largest city in the United States. However, you should be able to escape the...