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Español · Rental law by city · Where we cover

New York City · Application fees

How much can they charge me to apply in New York City?

Max $20 for a credit and background check.

Why, and the exact law

For this $20 check fee, you get a copy of the report and your own check counts.

From N.Y. Real Property Law (limit on credit/background check fee), read Oct 6, 2026.
Show the law

“Before signing a lease, the most a landlord can charge for a credit and background check is $20 …”

N.Y. Real Property Law (limit on credit/background check fee) · ag.ny.gov

Applying? See all the limits

Who can help

  1. Ask the New York City Rent Guidelines BoardFree counselors explain your options, by phone or in person.New York City Rent Guidelines Board
  2. New York State Office of Rent Administration (HCR)New York State Office of Rent Administration (HCR)
  3. Get free legal helpIf your landlord won't fix it.LawHelpNY
Every rule here, word for word (3)

State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.

New York lawIn force

$20 cap on credit and background check fee

How much can they charge me to apply?

Max $20 for a credit and background check.

For this $20 check fee, you get a copy of the report and your own check counts.

The law, word for word

“Before signing a lease, the most a landlord can charge for a credit and background check is $20 …”

N.Y. Real Property Law (limit on credit/background check fee) · ag.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026

New York lawDepends on the building

FARE Act: no broker fees charged to tenants by landlord's broker

How much can they charge me to apply?

No broker fee from the landlord's broker.

Landlords must also list any other fees you pay in the listing and lease.

It depends on whether the FARE Act covers the apartment's city.

In force since
Jun 11, 2025
The law, word for word

“the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act prohibits brokers who represent landlords from charging broker fees to tenants …”

Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act · hcr.ny.gov · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026

No other rule found

Application/background-check fee cap ($20) and the FARE Act broker-fee rule are state-level in the documents' record; no separate NYC-level fee cap in the provided documents (FARE Act enforced by DCWP but recorded at state level).

The law, word for word

“Before signing a lease, the most a landlord can charge for a credit and background check is $20 …”

N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 238-a · ag.ny.gov

Quote checked word for word

More about New York City

Rental law by cityWhat's changing in New York City

Information about the law, not legal advice.