Tenant Rights: Sharing Your Apartment in New York

Living in an apartment in the New York City area can be tricky business - and its important to know what your rights are as a Tenant. Don't assume that your Landlord knows your full rights or that what they are telling you is 100% correct until you do some research. For instance, do you know what your rights are when it comes to sharing your apartment? Can your boyfriend just move in with you? What if your child loses her job and needs a place for herself and your granddaughter to live??

New York Tenant Law says that if you live alone in either a rent controlled or rent stabilized apartment, you may invite an unlimited number of immediate family members to share the apartment with you. In addition - you are also allowed to invite one non-immediate family member (and their children, if under the age of 18) to share the apartment.

However, if more than one person has signed the lease....the amount of people who can live in the apartment is limited to the number of lease signers - and at least one of the lease signers must remain an occupant at all times.

Do I need to do anything when someone moves in with me?

Though your right to share your apartment is automatic and cannot be taken away (even if stated in your lease), you should notify your landlord in writing 30 days prior to the date your roommate is scheduled to move in. If you do not, you will have to answer any inquiries made by your landlord within 30 days of them asking you about sharing the apartment.


Other Articles For New York Tenants
June 2009 Market Report For Queens County: Rental Properties
A Guide To Finding Your Apartment On Craigslist
Queens Apartment Advice: Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite!
Dear NYC Area Tenant: A List Of What You Need To Be Able To Rent
When Life Gives You Lemons...Lower Your Rent
How Do I Sublet My Apartment In NY?