Max Application Fee
$20
Source: NY Attorney GeneralTenant Fees Guide
Reviewed by LeaseSnap Editorial TeamLast updated March 13, 2026NYC and New York State tenant guidance
Illegal Apartment Fees in NYC: What Landlords Cannot Charge
In NYC, one of the clearest fee rules is the $20 cap on most apartment application and screening charges. Other fee questions, such as key money, pet-related charges, and rent-stabilized surcharges, require careful review of what is actually being charged and why.
The 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act changed several move-in cost rules, but renters still get hit with vague charges that blur together. This guide helps you separate capped fees from higher-risk charges that need closer review.
How this guide is sourced
LeaseSnap guides are reviewed against official city and state housing sources, then translated into plain English for NYC renters.
Browse the official NYC source libraryKey Money
Often prohibited
Source: NYC HPDPet Security Deposit
Review total deposit cap
Source: NY Attorney GeneralFee red flags to spot before signing
- 1
Confirm the application fee is exactly $20 or less for the background check.
- 2
Scan for 'administrative' or 'processing' fees that have no defined service.
- 3
Check if you are being asked for more than one month's rent as a security deposit.
- 4
Verify that the landlord isn't charging for a credit check you provided yourself (within 30 days).
- 5
If the unit may be rent stabilized, treat any extra charge tied to rent or renewal as a follow-up item.
Important limitations
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Some building types (like co-ops and condos) have different rules regarding board entry and move-in fees.
- LeaseSnap cannot recover paid fees or block a landlord from choosing another applicant.
- Co-op and condo boards may have different, occasionally higher, processing fee rules.
- Monthly 'pet rent' is generally legal in market-rate units if disclosed.
Legal vs. Illegal NYC rental fees
| Fee Type | Legal Limit | Common Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Application/Background Check | Max $20 | Charging $50-$150 per person |
| Security Deposit | Max 1 Month's Rent | Asking for first, last, and deposit |
| Pet-Related Charges | Review total deposit cap | Labeling an extra deposit as a separate pet charge |
| Late Fees | Max $50 or 5% | Charging daily penalties or $100+ fees |
The $20 Application Fee Cap
New York law is clear: a landlord or agent cannot charge more than $20 for an application, which must include the cost of a background and credit check. If you provide your own credit check run within the last 30 days, the landlord must waive the fee entirely.
Charging extra processing or administrative fees on top of the capped screening charge is a major warning sign. Preserve the written request and compare it to the official state guidance before paying.
Security Deposits: The one-month rule
A landlord generally cannot demand more than one month of rent as a security deposit. If the move-in package includes security, extra deposit-like charges, and advance rent, slow down and separate each payment request.
Pet-related charges are especially easy to label loosely. Focus on the total deposit being held and whether the payment is really rent, a refundable deposit, or something else.
How LeaseSnap flags questionable charges
LeaseSnap looks for fee language in riders and the main lease body so renters can find the actual clause before money changes hands.
That makes it easier to compare the request to the relevant NYC or NYS guidance instead of relying on a broker's summary.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord charge for a credit check if I bring my own?
No. If you provide a copy of a background/credit check conducted within the last 30 days, they must waive the $20 fee.
Is 'pet rent' legal in NYC?
Yes, in market-rate buildings, landlords can charge a monthly pet fee. However, they cannot charge a pet security deposit.
Can I be charged a fee to renew my lease?
Treat it as a charge that deserves scrutiny, especially if it is not tied to a real optional service. Ask for the written basis before paying.
What is 'key money'?
Key money is a prohibited premium charged simply for the right to rent an apartment rather than for a real service or lawful payment category.
What if the landlord says the $20 is just for the credit check and there's a separate app fee?
That is a major warning sign. For most residential rentals, the $20 cap is meant to cover the application screening cost rather than being split into multiple fee labels.
Related LeaseSnap guides
Use this guide, then analyze your lease
The fastest way to move from general tenant guidance to your actual situation is to review your lease directly. LeaseSnap connects clause-level review to the NYC topics covered on this page.