Tenant Rights and Responsibilities: A Guide to Navigating the Apartment Leasing Process in NYS

As a tenant, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial for a positive leasing experience. This guide aims to educate tenants about their rights and responsibilities during the apartment leasing process in New York State (NYS). Whether you’re a first-time renter or have prior experience, knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions, protect yourself, and maintain a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship. At Hillside Park Real Estate, we prioritize tenant satisfaction and believe in providing exceptional leasing experiences.

1.Hillside Park Real Estate – Your Leasing Partner

Hillside Park Real Estate is your trusted leasing partner, providing clean, safe, well-maintained residential properties in Oswego, New York. We understand the importance of tenant rights and prioritize building relationships with our tenants. With our extensive experience and commitment to exceptional leasing experiences, we are confident in our ability to meet your requirements. Contact Stephanie directly at (315) 575-0271 to schedule a site visit or obtain more information about our available residential spaces for rent.

2. Understanding Tenant Rights in NYS

As a tenant in New York State, you are entitled to certain rights that provide protection and ensure a fair and respectful leasing experience. Familiarize yourself with the following key tenant rights:

3. Right to a Habitable and Safe Environment

As a tenant, you have the right to a habitable and safe living environment. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the property in a reasonable state of repair, free from hazards that may affect your health or safety. This includes ensuring proper maintenance of essential utilities, structural integrity, and compliance with local housing codes.

4. Right to Privacy

You have the right to privacy in your rental unit. Your landlord must provide notice and obtain your consent before entering your unit, except in emergencies. Typically, landlords must provide at least 24 hours notice, except in certain circumstances outlined by law.

5. Right to Fair Housing

In New York State, tenants have the right to fair housing, which means that landlords cannot discriminate against you based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, disability, or sexual orientation. It is illegal for a landlord to deny you housing or treat you differently based on these factors.

6. Right to Reasonable Accommodations

Tenants with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations. If you have a disability and require certain modifications or adjustments to the rental unit to ensure equal enjoyment of the premises, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord. These may include modifications to the unit or common areas to accommodate mobility, visual, or hearing impairments.

7. Right to a Written Lease Agreement

In New York State, tenants have the right to a written lease agreement. A written lease provides clarity and protects the rights and obligations of both the landlord and the tenant. It should include important terms such as the duration of the lease, rent amount, security deposit details, and maintenance responsibilities.

8. Understanding Tenant Responsibilities in NYS

Alongside tenant rights, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities as a tenant. Adhering to these responsibilities fosters a positive landlord-tenant relationship and helps maintain the rental property’s condition. Familiarize yourself with the following key tenant responsibilities:

9. Paying Rent on Time

One of the primary responsibilities of a tenant is paying rent on time. Your lease agreement will specify the due date and preferred payment method. Timely rent payments ensure a stable housing arrangement and support the landlord in maintaining the property.

10. Maintaining the Rental Property

As a tenant, you are responsible for reasonably maintaining the rental property. This includes keeping the unit clean and free from damage caused by negligence or misuse. Regular cleaning, pest control measures, and proper waste disposal are part of your responsibility as a tenant.

11. Reporting Maintenance Issues

Promptly reporting maintenance issues to your landlord is crucial. Inform them about any repairs needed to maintain the habitability and safety of the rental unit. Documenting maintenance requests in writing and retaining copies can help resolve issues efficiently.

12. Adhering to Noise and Nuisance Regulations

Respecting noise and nuisance regulations is vital to maintaining a peaceful living environment for you and your neighbors. Be mindful of noise levels, especially during quiet hours. Avoid engaging in activities that disturb the peace and tranquility of the community.

13. Complying with Lease Terms and Policies

Compliance with lease terms and policies is essential. Read your lease agreement thoroughly and understand your obligations as outlined in the document. Adhere to policies such as pet restrictions, smoking regulations, and guest policies to maintain a harmonious living environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can my landlord increase the rent during my lease term?
A1: In New York State, landlords can increase the rent during your lease term only if it is specified in the lease agreement or if you agree to the increase. Otherwise, they must wait until the lease is up for renewal to propose a rent increase.

Q2: What can I do if my landlord refuses to return my security deposit?
A2: If your landlord fails to return your security deposit within a reasonable timeframe (typically within 14 to 30 days), you can take legal action. Send a written demand for the return of your deposit, and if necessary, consult with an attorney or file a complaint with the local housing agency.

Q3: Can my landlord evict me without a valid reason?
A3: In New York State, landlords must have a valid legal reason to evict a tenant, such as nonpayment of rent, violating the terms of the lease, or causing significant damage to the property. They cannot evict you without a valid legal basis.

Q4: Can my landlord enter my apartment without notice?
A4: In most cases, your landlord must provide reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) before entering your apartment, except in emergencies. They must respect your right to privacy and not enter your unit without your consent or a valid reason.

Q5: What should I do if I have a dispute with my landlord?
A5: If you have a dispute with your landlord, try to resolve the issue through open communication first. Document any conversations or written correspondence. If the issue remains unresolved, you can seek legal advice from a tenant advocacy organization or consult an attorney specializing in landlord-tenant disputes.

Choose Hillside Park Real Estate for Your Residential Leasing Needs

Hillside Park Real Estate residential properties are family-owned and operated right in Oswego, New York. Our rental locations keep you close to everything– whether it’s work or play. Our properties are clean, safe, well-maintained, and regularly updated. We care about who we lease to, and likewise, our tenants care about where they live and work.

Our rental properties are conveniently located in walkable neighborhoods, are clean and well-maintained, and feature spacious, modern 2 and 3-bedroom townhouses and homes throughout Oswego, New York. Air-conditioned units and storage space are available. Our townhouses on 4th Avenue and Utica Street in Oswego combine an ideal location with desirable amenities and spacious living. These picturesque townhouses are truly a notch above, with aesthetically pleasing designs and galley-style kitchens.

Hillside Park Real Estate stands out for its personalized service and expertise. As a family-owned and operated business for over 30 years, we prioritize building relationships with our tenants. Hillside Commons has established itself as a central service provider and shopping center in Oswego, NY. Our commitment to providing a great place to live and work is exemplified by the caring service we offer. With our extensive experience, personalized service, and prime real estate options in Oswego, NY, we are confident in our ability to meet your requirements.

Contact us today to embark on your journey to finding the ideal living space. To schedule a site visit or obtain more information about our available residential spaces for rent in Oswego, NY, please contact Stephanie directly at (315) 575-0271. We are excited to assist you in finding the perfect space to live.