Landlords should sign all leases and renewals after the tenant signs
- Carl J. Muraco
- Dec 22, 2025
- 4 min read
Being a landlord in New York City comes with unique challenges. Whether you own rental property in Brooklyn, Queens, or elsewhere in NYC, landlord-tenant laws are complex, heavily regulated, and strictly enforced. Many landlords unintentionally weaken their legal position by making mistakes regarding legal requirements for forms and service of documents and/or by waiting too long to act when tenant problems arise.
Consulting a knowledgeable landlord attorney in New York early can help protect your investment, preserve your rights, and prevent costly disputes. Below, we explain two critical rules every NYC landlord should follow and why contacting an eviction attorney immediately is often the smartest move.
I have been called by 3 new landlords this week regarding an almost identical problem. Each landlord signed the renewal lease first then gave it to the tenant to sign and surprise surprise now the tenant refuses to sign and refuses to answer the phone. Unfortunately not it will cost significant time and money to rectify this issue.
This is a serious problem that can be easily avoided.
**Never Sign a Lease Before the Tenant Does
One of the most common mistakes landlords make in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Bronx rental properties is signing lease and/or renewal agreements before the tenant has signed. While this may seem harmless, it can create legal uncertainty and weaken your position if a dispute arises.
Why Signing First Is Risky in NYC
In New York, courts closely examine lease execution and intent. If a landlord signs first and the tenant delays, disputes, or claims they never agreed to the final terms, enforcement becomes more difficult.
Best practice recommended by an experienced landlord attorney in NYC is:
Have the tenant sign first;
Review the signed lease carefully;
Sign only after all tenant signatures are complete; and
Immediately circulate a fully executed agreement via email or text.
This approach eliminates ambiguity and ensures the lease is legally enforceable from day one.
Some bad actors will change lease terms after you sign therefore never sign first!
Always Circulate a Fully Executed Lease Agreement
After both parties sign, landlords must promptly distribute the fully executed lease. Failing to do so is another mistake that can hurt landlords during disputes or eviction proceedings.
Why This Matters in New York
NYC housing courts require clear documentation. If a tenant claims they never received the final lease—or disputes certain terms—the absence of a fully executed agreement can delay or derail your case.
An experienced eviction attorney in New York will almost always ask for:
A complete, signed lease
Proof the tenant received it
Clear evidence of agreed-upon terms
Circulating the finalized agreement protects you and strengthens your position if enforcement becomes necessary.
Do Not Wait for a Bad Tenant Situation to “Get Better”
Many landlords in NYC, Brooklyn, and Queens hope that late rent payments, nuisance behavior, or lease violations will resolve on their own. Unfortunately, bad tenant situations rarely improve without action—and waiting often makes things worse.
Why Delaying Action Hurts NYC Landlords
Waiting too long can:
Increase unpaid rent balances
Complicate eviction timelines
Lead to waived rights
Expose landlords to compliance violations
New York’s tenant-friendly laws mean that landlords must follow exact procedures and deadlines. Delays can be interpreted as acceptance of tenant behavior, weakening your legal claim.
A landlord attorney in New York City can quickly assess whether a tenant’s conduct violates the lease or housing laws and advise on the correct next steps.
Contact a Landlord Attorney Immediately to Determine Your Rights
If you own rental property in Brooklyn, Queens, or anywhere in NYC, it is critical to understand your rights before taking action. New York landlord-tenant law is highly technical, and even well-intentioned mistakes can result in fines, penalties, or dismissed cases.
How a Landlord Attorney Helps NYC Property Owners
A qualified landlord attorney can:
Review your lease for legal compliance
Ensure notices meet NYC and New York State requirements
Advise on rent demands, termination notices, and timing
Prevent illegal “self-help” actions
Protect you from tenant counterclaims
Actions like changing locks, shutting off utilities, or informal eviction attempts are illegal in NYC and can expose landlords to serious consequences. Legal guidance is not optional—it is essential.
When You Need an Eviction Attorney in Brooklyn, Queens, or NYC
Once a tenant materially breaches the lease—such as failing to pay rent or violating occupancy rules—you may need an experienced eviction attorney in NYC to move forward.
Why Eviction Cases Require Legal Precision
Evictions in New York follow strict procedures. One incorrect notice, missed deadline, or improper filing can cause the case to be dismissed, forcing landlords to start over.
An eviction attorney can:
Prepare and serve proper legal notices
File eviction cases in housing court
Represent you before a judge
Respond to tenant defenses
Minimize delays and lost rent
Even experienced landlords rely on eviction attorneys because NYC courts demand exact compliance with the law.
Strong Documentation Is Critical in NYC Housing Court
Documentation often determines the outcome of landlord-tenant disputes in New York City. Courts expect landlords to produce detailed records.
Essential documentation includes:
A fully executed lease agreement
Rent payment history
Copies of legal notices
Written communication with the tenant
A landlord attorney in Brooklyn or Queens can help you establish systems to properly document tenant interactions, ensuring you are prepared if a dispute escalates to court.
Proactive Legal Guidance Saves NYC Landlords Time and Money
Too many landlords wait until the situation becomes unmanageable before calling an attorney. By then, options may be limited, and costs are higher.
Early consultation with a landlord attorney in NYC can:
Prevent disputes before they escalate
Ensure lease agreements are enforceable
Reduce eviction timelines
Protect against tenant claims and fines
Key Takeaways for New York City Landlords
Never sign a lease before the tenant
Always circulate a fully executed agreement
Do not ignore tenant red flags
Contact a landlord attorney immediately when issues arise
Use an experienced eviction attorney for NYC housing court
Final Thoughts
Owning rental property in Brooklyn, Queens, or anywhere in New York City is a serious legal responsibility. Clear contracts, timely action, and professional legal guidance are essential to protecting your investment.
If you have a problematic tenant—or want to avoid problems altogether—contacting a trusted landlord attorney or eviction attorney in NYC early can make all the difference. Waiting rarely improves a bad tenant situation, but informed legal action often does. If you have any questions contact an experience landlord attorney now by calling 718-938-9732 and speak with an actual landlord attorney today.