NYC apartment fee laws & regulations

New York City has the nation's most comprehensive apartment fee regulations. Here's everything you need to know to stay compliant.

3 Topic Areas
3 Active Rules
2025 FARE Act Effective

FARE Act - NYC's Landmark Fee Reform

The Fair Access to Rental Enforcement (FARE) Act is NYC's groundbreaking law regulating broker fees, application fees, and rental transparency. It took effect June 13, 2025.

Broker Fee Reform

Landlords must pay broker fees they arrange, with strict disclosure requirements

Application Fee Cap

Maximum $20 application fee, with receipts and refund requirements

Enhanced Penalties

Up to $2,000 per violation with accelerated enforcement

View Complete FARE Act Details →
NYC Regulations

Laws by Category

All active NYC regulations affecting apartment fees and rental practices

Broker Fees

Who pays the broker, when, and what must be disclosed in listings.

1 active rule

FARE Act (Fairness in Apartment Rentals Establishment Act)

NYC Local Law 119 of 2024 / NYC Admin Code §20-699.21

Brokers may only charge tenants when the tenant has hired them directly. If the landlord retains the broker, the landlord pays — and the listing must clearly state who is responsible.

Penalty: Up to $2,000 per violation; class-action exposure.
Enforced by: NYC DCWP

Required Disclosures

Lead paint, bedbug, mold, source of income, and other mandatory notices.

1 active rule

Bedbug History Disclosure

NYC Admin Code §27-2018.1

Landlords must give every prospective tenant a one-page bedbug history disclosure form (HPD form) before lease signing.

Penalty: $50–$1,000 per violation; void lease provisions.
Enforced by: NYC HPD

Fair Housing & Discrimination

Protected classes, advertising rules, and reasonable accommodation.

1 active rule

Source of Income Protection

NYC Admin Code §8-107(5)(a)(1) (Local Law 10 of 2008)

Prohibits discrimination based on lawful source of income (Section 8 vouchers, SCRIE, DRIE, etc.). Listings must not state vouchers are unwelcome.

Penalty: CCHR fines starting at $250,000.
Enforced by: NYC Commission on Human Rights
Quick Reference

Key Compliance Requirements

The most important rules every NYC landlord and broker must follow

Application Fees

Maximum: $20 per application
Receipt Required: Within 30 days if denied
Refund: If no decision made within 30 days

Broker Fees

Who Pays: Party who hired the broker
Disclosure: Required in all listings
Timing: Cannot be paid before lease signing

Security Deposits

Maximum: 1 month's rent
Return: Within 14 days (reasonable deductions allowed)
Interest: Required if building has 6+ units

Required Disclosures

Lead Paint: Pre-1960 buildings
Bedbug History: Past year infestation record
Rent Stabilization: If unit is regulated

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