Lease Risk Score

42/100

High Risk Detected

Contains 2 illegal clauses

880 Broadway, Apt 4F

New York, NY 10003 • 12 Month Lease

Processed Today

Monthly Rent$4,200

Security Deposit$4,200

Hidden Monthly Fees+$125

Effective Rent$4,325

Contract Summary

This lease agreement contains several non-standard clauses that deviate significantly from New York tenant protection laws.

!Late Fees: Unenforceable structure (Section 4.2) likely void under NY statutes.
!Deposit Return: Misstated as 60 days; NY law mandates 14 days.
!Privacy: Waiver of notice for landlord entry (Section 12) is high risk.
$Hidden Costs: Mandatory 'Technology' & 'Valet' fees = 2.9% unadvertised rent increase.

Recommendation:

Do not sign without negotiating.

Flagged Clauses

Illegal Late Fee

Illegal in NY

Found in: Section 4, Paragraph 2

"Tenant agrees to pay a late charge of 10% of the monthly rent for any payment received after the 3rd day..."

Why it's bad: New York Real Property Law § 238-a strictly limits late fees to the lesser of $50 or 5% of the monthly rent. 10% ($420) is unenforceable and predatory.

Deposit Return Delay

Illegal in NY

Found in: Section 21 (Security Deposit)

"Landlord shall return the security deposit within sixty (60) days after the Tenant vacates the premises..."

Why it's bad: The "Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019" requires landlords to return deposits within 14 days. 60 days is an illegal timeframe.

Unannounced Entry

High Risk

Found in: Section 12, Paragraph 1

"Landlord may enter the premises at any reasonable time for inspection or repairs..."

Why it's bad: Does not specify "notice." Standard practice and tenant law usually require 24-48 hours written notice except in emergencies.

Amenities Fee (Hidden)

Financial

Found in: Addendum A

The lease mentions a mandatory $75/month "Technology Package" fee and a $50/month trash valet fee. These were not in the advertised rent.

Plain English Translations

The Legalese

"Lessee hereby indemnifies and holds harmless the Lessor from any and all liability arising from..."

What it actually means

If you or a guest gets hurt in the apartment, you cannot sue the landlord, and you might have to pay their legal fees if someone else sues them because of you.

The Legalese

"In the event of default, all remaining rent for the unexpired term shall become immediately due..."

What it actually means

Acceleration Clause: If you break the lease early or miss payments, the landlord can demand the entire rest of the year's rent all at once, right now.

The Legalese

"Joint and several liability."

What it actually means

If your roommate stops paying rent, you are responsible for the FULL amount, not just your half. The landlord can come after you for everything.

Living with roommates?

Protect yourself from being stuck with the full rent. Generate a Roommate Agreement that covers rent splits, bills, house rules, and what happens if someone moves out early.

Ready to Negotiate?

We've drafted an email to your landlord citing the specific laws they are violating.

To: landlord@rentalco.com
Subject: Questions re: Lease for 880 Broadway

Hi [Name], I'm reviewing the lease agreement and noticed a few clauses that seem to conflict with NY State law. 1. Section 4.2 sets late fees at 10%, but NY Real Property Law § 238-a caps this at $50 or 5%. 2. Section 21 states a 60-day deposit return, but current law requires 14 days. Could we update these sections to reflect state limits? I'm ready to sign once these are clarified. Thanks, [Your Name]