Whichever is less under the general § 238-a framework.
Max $50 or 5% of monthly rent, whichever is less.
Within the statutory scope and exceptions of GOL § 7-108.
After vacating for covered units.
Part 96 authorization, rate cap, notice, complaint and HEFPA rules.
Part 96 retention condition.
New York charge guides
Each page below is tied to a specific New York source layer. The fee topic does not replace broker/listing-service rules, and the electric-submetering topic does not claim to govern every gas, water or direct-utility-account bill.
Security Deposit
New York security deposit limits, deductions, inspections and the 14-day return rule for covered units.
Open guide →14-Day Deposit Deadline
Calculate the 14-day deposit return and itemization date for covered New York rental units.
Open guide →Move-Out Inspection
New York pre-move-out inspection timing, written notice and the tenant’s opportunity to cure conditions.
Open guide →Normal Wear and Tear
Review New York deposit deductions by separating ordinary wear from tenant-caused damage.
Open guide →Move-Out Charges
Review New York move-out charges for rent, damage, utilities, cleaning and other deposit deductions.
Open guide →One-Month Deposit Limit
Understand New York’s general one-month cap on deposits or advances and important statutory exceptions.
Open guide →Electric Submetering
New York residential electric submetering rules for PSC authorization, rate caps, resident notices, HEFPA protections, billing records, complaints and meter testing.
Open guide →Application & Late Fees
New York rules for application and move-in charges, background and credit check fees, rent late fees and specified dishonored-check charges under RPL § 238-a.
Open guide →Important scope notes
For fees, identify whether the line is an application/screening charge, rent late fee or returned-payment charge before using § 238-a. For deposits, rent-regulated status and special housing categories can change the framework. For electric submetering, the building’s PSC case/order, rate-cap calculation, resident notices and complaint procedures matter.
Core official sources
Primary law covering deposit limits, deductions, inspections and the 14-day return/itemization framework for covered dwelling units.
Office of the New York State Attorney GeneralResidential Tenants’ Rights Guide ↗Official state consumer guidance explaining security deposits, non-regulated units, inspections and remedies.
New York State Senate — Open LegislationNew York Real Property Law § 238-a — Limitation on fees ↗Primary statewide law limiting application/beginning-of-tenancy charges, background and credit check fees, residential late fees and specified dishonored-check charges.
Office of the New York State Attorney GeneralResidential Tenants’ Rights Guide — fees and late fees ↗Official New York consumer guidance explaining the $20 credit/background-check cap and the five-day, $50-or-5%-of-rent late-fee rule.
New York State Department of Public Service16 NYCRR Part 96 — Residential Electric Submetering ↗Official DPS publication of the residential electric submetering rules covering authorization, resident notices, rate caps, HEFPA protections, billing records, complaint procedures and meter requirements.
New York State Department of Public ServiceResidential Electric Submetering Complaint Form ↗Official DPS complaint form directing residents to first contact the submeterer and providing a path for Department investigation when the issue is not resolved.
New York State Department of Public ServiceYour Rights as a Residential Gas, Electric or Steam Customer under HEFPA ↗Official DPS overview of residential energy consumer protections and complaint rights under the Home Energy Fair Practices Act.