So, you’re moving to New York and you need some guidance regarding tenant laws? Well, you’ve come to the right part of our blog. As an experienced moving company in the Big Apple, Capital City Movers want to tell you how to get the best deal in the city. So, before you get to hiring our NYC relocation services, here is some information about NYC tenant laws. We will tell you the essentials, of course, and include some of the trickier rules, too. Before you sign your lease, you should know…
Read everything twice before signing it.
The first thing you should pay attention to on your lease is renewal clauses and policies
Most tenants make a mistake when they automatically assume that everything is alright in their lease. Like we always tell our customers, it’s essential to read everything carefully before signing it. But, we won’t bore you with our experience as a local moving company in New York with tales of relocation frauds. Instead, we want to tell you about these renewal clauses and policies which exist on the lease.These clauses are important because they concern the rise of your rent. They are included in the NYC tenant laws and often surprise first-time renters. But, it isn’t the money which you should be overly concerned with. In most smaller buildings the rise in the rent is almost non-existent. Rather, you need to pay attention to the signified renewal date. If you don’t respect it, according to the NYC tenant laws, you could lose your apartment.
NYC tenant laws don’t guarantee you utilities, so check the lease carefully
Another pitfall of first-time renters are the utilities. If your rent is expensive, as it usually is in NYC, you expect the bills to be covered by it. However, this usually isn’t the case. In fact, NYC tenant laws don’t really cover this clause. So, take a careful look at the lease to see if anything is included in your rent. Then, you’ll be able to see which apartment is actually affordable. As a side tip, in most cases, water and heat will be included in the rent. However, remember that NYC tenant laws don’t require them to be.
Another thing to be careful with is insurance in your new NY apartment
If you’re going to be moving to NY you’re going to hear a lot about insurance. There is moving insurance. Then, there is insurance for your belongings. There is even insurance which you can purchase for your storage. And, then you will finally get to the purchasing renter insurance. Most homeowners figure that if their landlord is insured, so are they. Unfortunately, that isn’t correct. NYC tenant laws require you to ensure your rented property against water and fire damage, as well as theft. If you don’t do this, you will be personally liable for the damages.
NYC tenant laws don’t say anything about pets, but landlords will tell plenty
New York is a city where everyone has a dog or a cat, right? Well, not really. While it may be quite pet-friendly, not every landlord is. In fact, there are a number of buildings which won’t allow a four-legged friend inside. Unfortunately, NYC tenant laws don’t give us any insight on this matter. So, you will mostly have to take it up with the landlord. Remember to tell them the size of your pet, as well. When looking at different NYC housing which is available, be upfront with your landlord about the circumstances.
Will you need an AC during the NYC summer?
If you need an AC in your apartment, you should find one with it
New York tenant laws don’t cover things like air conditioning. But, landlords do in their leases. Some building may allow you to install an AC in your unit without any trouble. While other buildings will prohibit them. The problem usually is with attaching them to the outside of the building on the higher floors. Be sure to ask your landlord about their NYC tenant laws in the building before taking the matter into your own hands. The fine for doing so without permission usually start at $100, after all. But, when you have worked everything out with the landlord, it still might be best to have a professional set up the AC. We advise calling a service to do it, for liability reasons. And, if you know that you will need an AC in the summer, it’s best to see an apartment with one already installed. That way you won’t have to deal with the hassle of permission and additional services after moving in.
NYC tenant laws are quite strict about roommates and visitors
Planning to have a friend visit your new place in New York? Well, be careful about that. In most cases, NYC tenant laws require permission from your landlord. Also, if you’re planning on using Airbnb, be sure to ask the owner in advance. Finally, you may find a better place and want to move. If this is the case you can give the apartment permanently to someone else. In other words, they will be taking over your lease. This is called assignment and, of course, the landlord must approve it beforehand.
Are you already picking out the new colors for your apartment? Ask your landlord first!
Renovation and redecoration is something your landlord needs to approve in New York
So, you found the perfect little place with a nice rent, but you want to give it a bit of a personal touch? Well, you should be upfront with the landlord about these plans. Most owners will allow you to make the changes without too much hassle. Though, if you don’t write them down in the lease or some form of an agreement, later on, you may end up having to return the apartment to the original condition. After all NYC tenant laws value the lease above everything else. So, if there’s something which you’re certain you’ll be renovating, add it to the contact right away. As a side note, if the apartment is furnished, remember to check the lease for a detailed list of all the items.
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