The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019

The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 has had a significant impact on residential landlords within New York State. While the act was designed to provide greater protections for tenants, it has also placed new restrictions and obligations on landlords, which have altered the dynamics of the landlord-tenant relationship.

Specifically, landlords are now required to serve tenants with a 14-day rent demand before commencing eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent, increasing from the prior 3-day notice. This means that if a tenant fails to pay rent on time, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written notice stating the amount of rent owed and giving the tenant 14 days to pay before initiating eviction proceedings.

Further, landlords are no longer permitted to issue excessive late fees, as late fees are now capped at $50 per month or 5% of the monthly rent, whichever is less. Landlords also may no longer require more than one month’s rent as security.

Additionally, there are certain record keeping requirements now imposed upon landlords.

These new and ever changing laws are complicated, and Martens Law PLLC is here to guide you through them. Contact us today.