Renting an apartment in New York City can be overwhelming, but asking the right questions before signing a lease can save you from major headaches down the road.
From hidden water damage to unclear rent increases and even legal troubles tied to the building, what you don’t ask can hurt you. This guide gives you the smart questions every renter should ask upfront, so you can avoid surprises and protect your rights before committing to your next NYC rental.
🏢 About the Building and Unit History
1. How many people live in the unit above and in neighboring units
This helps you anticipate potential noise issues, daily activity patterns, and plumbing impact from other units.
2. Have there been any leaks, floods, or ceiling problems in this unit or building
Ask for specific details including when these issues happened, how often, the cause, and how they were resolved. Water damage can signal long-term structural or plumbing problems.
3. Has this unit ever had repeated complaints or repair requests
Find out if there are patterns of unresolved issues or if the landlord is responsive to tenant needs.
📈 About Rent and Increases
4. How is rent calculated here and how often can it be increased
In rent-stabilized apartments, rent increases follow regulations set by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board. For market-rate units, landlords can raise rent upon lease renewal, but this should be clearly outlined in your lease agreement.
5. Is this apartment rent regulated or market rate
If it is rent stabilized, you have rights including capped rent increases and automatic lease renewal options. If it is market rate, rent can vary more and may be higher upon renewal.
📜 About Legal and Lease Concerns
6. Are there any lawsuits, pending litigation, or formal complaints involving this building or specific unit
You want to know if the landlord or property is involved in any housing disputes that could impact your living conditions.
7. Are there any housing code violations currently open with NYC 311 or HPD
Check the building's history of tenant complaints and unresolved violations using NYC's public databases.
8. What disclosures are provided with the lease
Landlords must legally disclose certain details such as the presence of lead-based paint, bedbug history, prior flooding, rent regulation status, and whether there are sprinklers installed and properly maintained.
🛠 About Repairs and Maintenance
9. How are maintenance and repairs handled here
Ask who handles repair issues, how quickly they respond, and how to file a request.
10. Has the landlord been slow to fix major issues in the past
Previous tenants’ experiences can hint at future frustrations if the landlord is known for delays.
11. What is the procedure in writing for reporting issues and getting them fixed
This ensures you understand the proper steps and helps you keep a paper trail if problems continue.
12. What happens if an issue like a leak happens again after repair
Ask how repeat issues are escalated and whether recurring maintenance problems are covered in the lease.
📦 Additional Smart Questions
13. What utilities are included in the rent and which ones are my responsibility
Clarify whether gas, electricity, water, or heat is included or billed separately.
14. Is renters insurance required to lease this apartment
Some landlords require renters insurance to protect your personal belongings and liability.
15. What happens at lease renewal and are there built-in rent increases
Understand how much notice is given before renewal and if the lease includes a formula for future rent increases.
🧾 How Rent Increases Work in NYC
Rent Stabilized Apartments
These units follow strict rules for rent increases. The Rent Guidelines Board sets maximum annual increases. Landlords may add small increases for major capital improvements or individual apartment improvements but must follow legal procedures. Tenants can request a rent history from NYS Homes and Community Renewal to confirm rent legality.
Market Rate Apartments
Rent in these units can increase at lease renewal without a cap. However, terms of increase should be stated in the lease. It is essential to ask for transparency before signing.
📌 Quick Tip for Leaks and Property Issues
If you discover a leak after moving in document everything with photos and written communication. Report all issues in writing to create a record. Use NYC 311 or contact HPD to file an official complaint if issues are not resolved
This documentation is useful if legal action is ever needed.
Good luck
