The good stuff

Know your rights

Plain-English guides to New York tenant law. No legalese, no scare tactics - just what the rules say and what to do with them. This is the part of the site nobody can pay to influence.

Security deposits

The one-month cap, the 14-day return rule, and what to do when a landlord goes quiet.

Lease red flags

Illegal fees, fake "no roommate" clauses, and what's void even if you signed it.

Broker fees & the FARE Act

Since June 11, 2025 you don't pay the landlord's broker. What the law says, and the workarounds to watch for.

Repairs, heat & habitability

What your landlord legally owes you and the exact escalation ladder when they ignore you.

Roommates

New York's Roommate Law gives you the right to share your apartment. Here's how it actually works.

Rent-stabilized vs. market-rate

Two apartments at the same rent can have totally different futures. How to check which one you're in.

Ask the helper

Type a question about renting in New York - deposits, fees, repairs, roommates, leases - and get a plain-English answer on the spot. General information, not legal advice.

No email, no name, nothing stored about you. Answers come from an AI trained on NYC tenant rules - always confirm with a tenant lawyer for your specific case.

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General information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. For your specific case, talk to a tenant lawyer - free help may be available through the city's tenant protection resources or Legal Aid.