Under the NYC FARE Act (Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses), effective June 11, 2025: (1) Landlords CANNOT require tenants to pay broker fees when the landlord hired the broker, (2) Tenants may choose to hire their own broker and pay for those services, (3) All apartment listings must clearly state all fees a tenant must pay, (4) Landlords must provide a written itemized list of all fees before lease signing. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection at nyc.gov/consumers or call 311.
Standard upfront costs include: (1) First months rent, (2) Security deposit (CAPPED at one months rent by NYS law), (3) Application fees (CAPPED at $20 by law). Note: Under the FARE Act, if the landlord hired the broker, the landlord pays the broker fee. Additional deposits beyond one months security are NOT permitted under current law. Always request and retain a written itemized list of all fees as required by the FARE Act.
Common documentation includes: (1) Government-issued ID, (2) Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employment verification), (3) Bank statements, (4) Landlord references, (5) Credit authorization. Requirements vary by landlord. Self-employed applicants may need additional documentation. International applicants may need visa documentation and enhanced financial verification. Landlords CANNOT discriminate based on lawful source of income (including vouchers and subsidies) or other protected characteristics under fair housing laws.
Rent stabilization is a NYC program providing tenant protections including: (1) Limits on annual rent increases (set by the Rent Guidelines Board), (2) Right to lease renewal, (3) Protection from eviction without cause. Generally applies to buildings with 6+ units built before 1974 (with exceptions and additions). Ask the landlord or listing agent about rent stabilization status before signing. You can also request a rent history from NYS HCR to verify stabilization status and check for overcharges.
Landlords may consider legitimate factors like income, credit history, and rental history. However, landlords CANNOT discriminate based on protected characteristics including: race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, age, disability, marital status, lawful source of income (including housing vouchers), or familial status. If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, contact: NYS Division of Human Rights (844-862-8703), NYC Commission on Human Rights, or file a complaint at nyc.gov/cchr.
Before signing: (1) Confirm all fees in writing (required by FARE Act), (2) Verify rent stabilization status if applicable, (3) Understand lease terms including length, renewal options, and rules, (4) Document apartment condition (photos/video), (5) Confirm included utilities and services, (6) Review security deposit return terms. Keep copies of all documents. If anything is unclear, consult with a tenant rights organization or attorney before signing.
Yes, many NYC rental listings now offer virtual viewing options: (1) 3D Virtual Tours - Interactive walkthroughs that let you explore the apartment at your own pace, measure spaces, and view from multiple angles, (2) Video Tours - Recorded or live walkthrough videos that show the apartment layout, natural light, and condition, (3) Live Video Calls - Real-time FaceTime or Zoom tours with an agent who can answer questions on the spot. These options offer flexibility and convenience for anyone who wants to preview apartments remotely. Ask your agent about virtual tour availability for any listing. Note: While virtual tours are convenient, we recommend an in-person visit before signing a lease whenever possible to verify condition and neighborhood fit.
Yes, and your rights are protected by law. Under NYS Human Rights Law and NYC Human Rights Law, LAWFUL SOURCE OF INCOME is a protected class. This means landlords CANNOT refuse to rent to you because your income comes from: (1) Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), (2) CityFHEPS or FHEPS, (3) HASA, (4) SSI/SSD, (5) Veterans benefits, or (6) Other government housing assistance programs. If a landlord refuses to accept your voucher or treats you differently because of your income source, this is illegal discrimination. You can file a complaint with: NYS Division of Human Rights (844-862-8703), NYC Commission on Human Rights (nyc.gov/cchr), or call 311. I work with voucher holders and can help you find landlords who comply with fair housing laws.