How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in New York?
In New York, a landlord may charge an applicant only for a background check and a credit check, and the total may not exceed the actual cost of the checks or $20, whichever is less. The fee must be waived where the applicant provides a background and credit check dated within the past 30 days, and an applicant who pays is entitled to a copy of the results. This is N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 238-a(1).
| What | New York |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Actual cost of the checks or $20, whichever is less |
Notes
The fee must be waived where the applicant provides a background and credit check dated within the past 30 days, and an applicant who pays is entitled to a copy of the results.
Source
N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 238-a(1) — last checked 2026-09-16.
This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.
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This page states what the state allows a landlord to charge somebody applying to rent, so a fee can be checked against it before it is advertised or collected.
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