A New York rental application is a form that landlords or property management companies use to find the right tenant for a rental property. The application helps potential tenants present their personal and financial information in an organized way for the landlord's approval. Landlords sometimes ask for a non-refundable fee and typically respond to the application within one or two days. If the tenant is approved, they will be given a lease agreement to sign.
RentSpree makes this process fast, easy and safe for landlords and renters. You'll find everything from an online rental application and tenant screening to renters insurance and insurance verification.
In the state of New York, landlords must adhere to specific laws when screening potential tenants and processing rental applications. These laws help protect the rights of both landlords and tenants, ensuring that the rental process is conducted fairly and transparently. Informational only; not legal advice.
- Fair housing laws: The Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants based on certain characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. New York also has its own fair housing laws, which expand upon the federal protections and provide additional protections to tenants. New York State Executive Law, Article 15.
- Income discrimination: Landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on their source of income. This means that landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone because they receive government assistance, such as Section 8 vouchers. New York State Human Rights Law, Section 296(15).
- Rental application requirements: Landlords must provide a written rental application to potential tenants that includes specific information such as the rent amount, security deposit, lease term, and any fees associated with the rental. New York Real Property Law, Section 238-A.
- Tenant screening: Landlords are permitted to screen tenants, but they must do so in a non-discriminatory manner. Landlords can ask for information such as employment history, income, and credit history, but they cannot use this information to discriminate against tenants. New York State Human Rights Law, Section 296(16).
- Denial of rental applications: If a landlord denies a rental application, they must provide a written explanation for the denial, including the specific reasons why the tenant was not approved. New York State Real Property Law, Section 227-F.
This is not an exhaustive list of laws and regulations that govern tenant screening and rental applications in New York. Consult with a licensed attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.