How Do I Rent Out My Studio Apartment in NYC Legally?

Question

Accepted Answer

Renting out a studio apartment in New York City requires following specific legal steps — whether you own the unit or are subletting as a tenant.

If you own the studio and want to rent it out:

Verify your building has a valid Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for residential use
Ensure the unit meets NYC habitability requirements: working heat, hot water, functioning smoke and CO detectors
Draft a legally compliant lease agreement — include all required NYC disclosures (bed bug history, lead paint if pre-1978 building)
Screen tenants using legal, non-discriminatory criteria
Collect a security deposit of no more than one month's rent
Provide the tenant with written information about their rights under the Wet goed verhuurderschap equivalent — NYC's tenant protection disclosure requirements

If you are a tenant wanting to sublet your studio:

Check your lease — most NYC leases require landlord approval for subletting
Tenants in buildings with 4+ units have a statutory right to sublet with written landlord consent
Your landlord can ask for information about the subtenant but cannot unreasonably withhold consent
You remain fully responsible for the rent if your subtenant fails to pay
Short-term subletting (under 30 days) is illegal in NYC unless you are present — see Local Law 18

Pricing your studio rental in 2026: Research active comparable listings in your neighborhood by size, floor, condition and amenities. Overpricing leads to extended vacancy — in NYC, every additional vacant month is a significant financial loss.