New York tenant and consumer protection regulations

New York has introduced several regulatory measures aimed at tenant and consumer protection.

In late September, New York State implemented laws for regulated apartment buildings with more than 35 units. These regulations require landlords to provide written notice for rent increases exceeding 5% and mandate a 60 to 90-day notice period for tenants residing in an apartment for at least one year. The laws also cap late fees at $50 or 5% of monthly rent and limit background check fees to $20.

By October 1, 2026, New York City implemented two major regulatory changes. A historic rent freeze took effect for approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments across the five boroughs. Approved by the Rent Guidelines Board, the freeze mandates a 0% increase for both one-year and two-year leases for contracts signed between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027. This measure does not apply to market-rate apartments or leases signed before the effective date.

Simultaneously, the city launched its ‘Click-to-Cancel’ rule, making it the first municipality in the country to codify such a requirement. The law mandates that businesses must allow consumers to cancel subscriptions using the same method used to sign up, such as requiring online cancellation for online signups. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will enforce the rule, with civil penalties starting at $525 per violation and potential requirements for businesses to provide restitution to consumers.