Manhattan Real Estate Law Blog

Your landlord certainly has the right to raise your rent. This does happen periodically. It can be frustrating for tenants, but landlords have to consider things like the role of inflation, the demand for the property and the fair market value of that property. As a...

A lease agreement ensures that a property owner and tenant understand each of their obligations and rights when renting an apartment. Tenants must comply with any terms in a lease agreement, otherwise, they would be in violation of their agreement. Lease violations...

Moving into a new rental property can be an exciting experience, but it's important to do your due diligence before signing a lease.  One of the most crucial steps is asking the landlord questions to help you understand what you're getting into. What is the rental...

When renting an apartment in New York City, landlords and tenants have certain rights and responsibilities.  One question often arises is whether tenants must give their landlord a key to their apartment. The answer is not simple, as it depends on several factors....

There may be times when a tenant needs or wants to break a lease agreement but fears they would create legal issues with the landlord. However, breaking a lease isn't always impossible. The following are several ways a tenant may terminate a lease agreement without...

Communication is important in any relationship. This holds true for tenants and landlords in a similar way that it does for married couples or business partners. Being able to communicate can help things go smoothly and can help you avoid disputes. That being said,...

As a tenant, the last thing you want is to receive a sudden rent increase from your landlord. It can be a frustrating and unexpected expense that can disrupt your budget and leave you feeling helpless. But can your landlord legally increase rent without notice?...

Renting a home in New York offers several advantages. For example, the landlord is responsible for several administrative and maintenance tasks.  Thanks to the tenant protection law, it is required that landlords ensure the building or home is structurally sound and...

Ideally, a lease agreement will be beneficial to both the landlord and the tenant. The tenant gains a safe and comfortable place to live while the landlord receives a regular income. Most of the time, this runs smoothly.  Unfortunately, there are occasions when the...

It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for exercising your tenant rights. For instance, you may have made a good faith complaint to your landlord or a government agency regarding health and safety violations, habitability issues or non-repair of your...