Schenectady, NY — landlord and rental rules

A residential nonpayment case requires a written 14-day rent demand. Rent increases of 5% or more and nonrenewals require 30, 60 or 90 days' notice according to occupancy and lease length; a late fee cannot exceed $50 or 5% of monthly rent, whichever is less.

These are statutory notice periods, not an estimate of how long a court case will take.

Rent demand

14 days

Nonrenewal / 5%+ increase

30, 60 or 90 days

Late fee

lesser of $50 or 5%

In effect since 2019-06-14.

Rental owners register; buildings with two or more rental units require inspection and a rental certificate at vacancy or change of occupancy.

The encoded minimum is 2 units; other stated ownership and occupancy exemptions still require verification.

The ordinary certificate lasts until occupancy changes. Buildings with ten or more units may elect a 12-month building certificate with sampled-unit inspection.

Unit counts

2+ units

New York caps a residential security deposit at one month's rent and requires return with an itemized statement within 14 days after the tenant vacates.

The cap applies statewide. Keep the deposit in trust, provide the required pre-move-out inspection opportunity, and document deductions rather than treating the deposit as the final month's rent.

In effect since 2019-07-14.