Essential Best Practices for Small Landlords in NYC: Insights from a Landlord Attorney/ Eviction attorney

As a landlord attorney in New York City focusing on small landlord representation, I frequently assist clients in Brooklyn, Queens, New York and across the 5 boroughs with eviction matters, lease disputes, and tenant issues. Many problems arise from avoidable mistakes that can lead to costly Brooklyn eviction, Queens eviction, or New York eviction proceedings.

By following proven best practices, small landlords can minimize risks, protect their investments, and maintain smoother landlord-tenant relationships.

Here are key tips to help small landlords navigate NYC’s complex housing laws effectively:

1.  Conduct Thorough Tenant Screening

Prior to approving a tenant, always perform comprehensive financial and background checks on prospective tenants. Key indicators include stable employment history; frequent job changes can signal potential payment issues. Use reputable screening services to verify credit, rental history, and references. This step is crucial for preventing future disputes in Brooklyn eviction or Queens eviction cases.

2.  Choose the right Lease Terms

For small landlords, especially those living in the same building as their tenants, month-to-month leases offer greater flexibility. If a tenant becomes problematic, termination is significantly easier than with a fixed one or two-year lease, otherwise termination may require proving serious breaches which may often be deemed curable. The only other real option for eviction with long leases is nonpayment therefore if you have a tenant smoking and fighting other tenants and causing issues but paying rent on time it may be very difficult to evict them. Note that recent New York eviction laws (including Good Cause Eviction) may apply to certain properties, consult a landlord lawyer to ensure compliance.

ALTHOUGH NOT PERMITTED BY LAW BUT VERY COMMON, IF YOU ARE RENTING AN ILLEGAL UNIT NEVER GIVE MORE THAN A MONTH TO MONTH LEASE.

WARNING: ***renting room by room is illegal unless your property is an SRO; most importantly renting 6 or more rooms or spaces could mean de facto rent stabilization which is the last thing an owner would want, BE CAREFUL and operate within the law.

3.  Draft Clear, Comprehensive Leases

Never rely on verbal agreements. Always use a written lease with explicit provisions, including rent due dates, tenant obligations, and termination clauses for violations (e.g., no e-bikes, no smoking, no pets, no business use and no short term rentals such as airbnb). A well-drafted lease governs the relationship and strengthens your position in disputes. My office drafts customized residential and commercial leases tailored to small landlords’ needs. If you can think of it and provided it is legal, I am able to draft a provision and add it to the lease.

4.  Collect Essential Tenant Information

Obtain the tenant’s Social Security number and date of birth of all occupants, full list of occupants with contact details, and next-of-kin information and bank account information. Whenever possible, secure a guarantor for added financial protection. This documentation is invaluable during eviction processes or collections.

5.  Act Promptly on Rent Arrears and/or Bad Behavior

If a tenant falls two months behind on rent, contact an experienced eviction attorney immediately such as myself to start the process. Early intervention can prevent more damages dur to the lengthy New York eviction process.

If a tenant engages in bad behavior, it is my experience this is only the start of the behavior. A landlord should document the bad behavior (time, date and brief description of the behavior) and send documented letters to tenant telling them to stop the behavior. If it occurs 2 or more times then contact my office to discuss a notice to cure and/or a notice of termination. Unfortunately bad tenants are becoming more and more common due to current laws protecting even the bad acting tenants. Start immediately.

6.  Document Everything Meticulously

Keep detailed records of all communications, especially regarding repairs, complaints, or alleged conditions, use text messages, emails, and videos/photos. Thorough documentation is essential evidence in Housing Court and can expedite resolutions in Brooklyn eviction or Queens eviction and/or New York eviction matters.

Many issues can be resolved early with proactive steps, but serious problems rarely fix themselves. Delaying action often delays eviction proceedings.

If you’re facing tenant challenges or need guidance on your rights as a small landlord in NYC, contact me today for a consultation with an experienced landlord attorney. Call now to speak with an actual attorney Call 718-938-9732 to discus and protect your property.