What Should I Do If I Haven’t Received a Countersigned Lease in New York City?

Question from Julius, What Should I Do If I Haven’t Received a Countersigned Lease in New York City?

Answer from AI:

In New York City, it’s common for tenants to pay the security deposit and first month’s rent before receiving a countersigned lease. However, it’s understandable that you might feel uncomfortable with this arrangement. Here are some general suggestions:

Understand Your Rights

In New York, once you sign a lease and pay the required deposit and rent, you have rights as a tenant, even if the landlord has not yet countersigned the lease. According to the New York City Bar, if you’ve paid rent and the landlord accepts it, you have established a landlord-tenant relationship, even without a signed lease.

Request a Digital Copy

You could request a digital copy of the countersigned lease for your records. This could be a scanned copy or a photo of the lease with the landlord’s signature. This would provide you with proof that the lease has been countersigned.

Consult with a Legal Professional

If you’re still uncomfortable, you might want to consult with a legal professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. The New York City Bar offers free legal services for those who qualify.

Know the Law

Understand that New York law requires landlords to return a signed copy of the lease to tenants within 30 days of receiving the tenant’s signed lease. This is stated in the New York Real Property Law § 7-108.

Consider Your Options

If you’re uncomfortable with the situation, you might want to consider other options. This could include looking for another apartment or negotiating with the landlord to receive the countersigned lease before you pay the deposit and first month’s rent.

Remember, this information is general in nature and not intended as legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.