Prospective Resident FAQs
[ultimate-faqs include_category=’prospective-residents’]
Air Conditioner Installation Tips
The NYC Buildings has tips for pre-purchase guidelines, installation information, and permit requirements for AC units. If you need to reference such information, please download the document below. Please refer to your lease if you are allowed to install air conditioner units through the window.
NYC Air Conditioner Installation Tips
Annual Required Form
New York City law requires that tenants living in buildings with 3 or more apartments complete this form and return it to their landlord before February 15, each year. If you do not return this form, your landlord is required to visit your apartment to determine if children live in your apartment.
Please download and print the form. This form needs to be returned to your landlord by the deadline.
Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning and Window Falls
Heat Requirements and Procedures for Residential Rental Building
The period between October 1 and May 31 is Heat Season. During this time, the City requires building owners to provide residential tenants with heat according to the following rules: Day Between the hours of 6:00am and 10:00pm, if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Night Between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am, the inside temperature is required to be at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit.
What should you do if these requirements are not being met?
- Make sure all windows are fully closed
- Ensure radiators are not being blocked with furniture or other items that prevent the heat from rising
- Air conditioning units should be pulled out of windows or sleeves
- Contact the Super to verify the above items, document the temperature in your apartment, and make any necessary adjustments
- Follow up with our office after the Super has inspected
Heat Requirements and Procedures Document
Security Deposit Information
Do I need to pay a security deposit?
Virtually all leases require tenants to give their landlords a security deposit.
Will it ever be adjusted if I renew the lease?
If a lease is renewed at a greater amount or the rent is increased during the term of the lease, the owner is permitted to collect additional money from the tenant in order to bring the security deposit up to the new monthly rent.
Do I earn interest on it?
Landlords are entitled to collect annual administrative expenses of one percent of the deposit. All other interest earned on the deposits belongs to the tenant, however, typically these interest-bearing accounts earn less than 1%.
What is the security deposit for?
A landlord may use the security deposit as reimbursement for any unpaid rent, or the reasonable cost of repairs beyond normal wear and tear if the tenant damages the apartment. Upon vacating, the tenant should leave the apartment in a clean condition, removing all personal belongings and trash from the apartment, and making any minor repairs if needed. If the apartment was painted by the tenant, then the tenant should restore to the original colors. Appliances should be cleaned thoroughly as well.
Is a walk thru inspection required when the tenant vacates?
No, an inspection is not required for the return of a security deposit, however, the tenant has a right to request an inspection of the premises prior to vacating. When a tenant vacates the apartment, the tenant should leave the premises in broom clean condition, removing all personal belongings and trash from the apartment, and making any minor repairs needed. When tenant vacates the apartment the tenant should do a walk thru and return keys to the super as well as contact our office.
