NYC Lease Disclosures: 2 New Ones Landlords Often Miss

We see landlords, even experienced ones, working off lists that predate 2024. Two real requirements have been added since then, and a third takes effect in early 2026.

Nine forms, now as a table.

What NYC landlords must give every tenant

Most of these come as PDF riders attached to the lease itself. Our lead-based paint disclosure guide covers that in full detail, since it has its own legal framework.

The annual notice almost every landlord forgets

Beyond the initial lease signing, NYC landlords must provide an annual lead-based paint and window-guard notice. That runs between January 1 and January 15 each year. Tenants must complete and return it by February 15. It’s an easy one to lose track of once a tenancy is already underway.

The Good Cause Eviction notice almost nobody’s caught up on

Since August 18, 2024, every NYC lease, lease renewal, and non-renewal notice needs a Good Cause Eviction Law disclosure. It has to state whether the law applies and, if it does, the justification for any rent increase or non-renewal. As Belkin Burden Goldman LLP put it when the requirement took effect, “until DHCR issues the required notice, it is prudent to consider using the REBNY form.”

This one catches landlords off guard because it applies universally. Even a landlord whose building is fully exempt from Good Cause protections still has to disclose that exemption in writing.

The disclosure that outs illegal attic apartments

Owners of buildings with three or fewer rental units have to give tenants a conspicuous, boldface notice. It states whether a valid Certificate of Occupancy exists for their unit, required under RPL 235-bb. Lawmakers enacted it to address illegal “attic apartment” conversions, units rented out that were never legally approved as living space. A tenant can’t waive this right; any lease clause trying to do so is void.

Handing over an actual copy of the valid CO satisfies the requirement on its own. Our letter of no objection guide covers what to do when a building predates 1938 and has no CO at all.

The 2026 rent-stabilization notice, building-wide

Starting January 26, 2026, under Local Law 86, any building with one or more rent-stabilized units must post a notice in a common area. It has to appear in English and Spanish, state that the building contains stabilized units, and name its address and property registration number. This is separate from any unit-specific rider a rent-stabilized tenant’s own lease already requires; it’s a building-wide posting requirement layered on top.

Our pillar guide to due diligence covers what else to verify when renting or purchasing a property with existing tenants. If you’re buying rather than renting, our NYC closing costs calculator and buyer rebate apply once you’re the one signing at the table.

Common questions

Is my apartment rent stabilized? Check with the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal directly. Starting in 2026, buildings with stabilized units must also post a common-area notice confirming it.

What is the Good Cause Eviction Law, and does it apply to my lease? A 2024 NYS law limiting when and why a landlord can decline to renew a lease or raise rent above certain thresholds. Every NYC lease must now disclose whether it applies, even if the building is exempt.

Do I need a window guard in my NYC apartment? If a child 10 or younger lives in the unit, yes, and landlords must provide and install them at no cost. Buildings must also send an annual notice between January 1 and 15 asking tenants to confirm.

What is a bed bug disclosure form? A required notice stating whether a unit or building has had a bedbug infestation in the past year. It lets an incoming tenant know the history before signing.

What happens if my landlord skips a required disclosure? It varies by which disclosure and can range from limited remedies to real liability, particularly for lead paint and Certificate of Occupancy violations. Consult a tenant attorney about your specific situation.

Written by Nicole Fishman Benoliel

Co-founder of NestApple and a lawyer admitted to the New York bar, not currently practising.