Bill > A00056

This bill aims to regulate the fees that residential landlords can charge tenants for dishonored rent checks by establishing clear guidelines and limitations. Specifically, landlords are now prohibited from charging tenants more than the actual costs incurred when a rent check is returned due to insufficient funds, but they can still impose a fee if it was originally specified in the lease agreement. The bill defines a maximum fee benchmark of twenty dollars, but allows landlords to charge more if they can substantiate the actual costs associated with processing a returned check. Landlords must provide evidence upon tenant request if the fee exceeds the standard twenty-dollar amount. The legislation applies to most residential rental situations, with an exception noted for cooperative housing corporation shareholders (though it still applies to their tenants). The bill amends both the real property law and the general obligations law to ensure consistent application of these fee restrictions, aiming to protect tenants from potentially excessive charges while still allowing landlords to recover legitimate processing expenses. The new regulations take effect immediately and will apply to actions and proceedings initiated on or after the effective date.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A56