What Rights Do You Have as a Tenant in New York City?

Living in New York City offers the promise of vibrant culture and endless opportunities, but it also comes with the complexities of navigating a crowded housing market and the rights and responsibilities that come with being a tenant. Whether you're renting a cozy apartment in the heart of Manhattan or a quiet unit in Queens, understanding your rights as a tenant is essential to maintaining a fair and safe living environment. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most important tenant protections in New York City, covering everything from theft and eviction to heating and cooling costs.

Protection From Theft and Property Damage


One of the fundamental rights of any tenant is protection against theft and damage to personal property. In New York City, if someone unlawfully takes or damages your belongings, you have legal recourse. Theft of property or services can lead to serious criminal charges, particularly if the stolen items are of significant value. In New York, theft that involves property or services worth between $1,000 and $1,500 is considered a Class B felony, which can result in serious legal consequences. If the value exceeds $1,500, the theft is classified as a Class A felony, carrying even harsher penalties.


As a tenant, it's important to understand that your landlord has a duty to protect your property as part of the implied warranty of habitability. This means that landlords must provide a safe living environment, which includes secure locks, working alarms, and properly maintained entryways to reduce the risk of theft. If your property is stolen due to negligence on the part of the landlord—such as failing to fix broken locks or gates—you may be able to seek damages through a lawsuit. Always report any concerns to your landlord and keep documentation of incidents to protect your interests.


The Eviction Process and Your Legal Protections


Eviction is another significant concern for tenants in New York City. In a city where the demand for housing often outstrips supply, many residents face the threat of eviction due to missed payments or other disputes with landlords. However, tenants in New York have significant legal protections when it comes to eviction, and landlords must follow a strict legal process to evict a tenant.


According to recent data from Gothamist, in 2022, over 12,000 residential evictions were carried out by city marshals in New York City. This number highlights the significant number of residents facing eviction, yet it’s important to note that tenants cannot be evicted without due process. Under New York law, landlords must provide proper notice and obtain a court order before evicting a tenant. In addition, tenants cannot be forcibly removed or have their belongings taken without a formal legal procedure.


If you're facing eviction, it's critical to understand your rights. Tenants have the right to a hearing, the right to challenge an eviction in court, and in some cases, the right to emergency rental assistance. If you feel you have been wrongfully evicted or if you're at risk of eviction, it's essential to consult with a tenant advocate or attorney to ensure that your rights are upheld.


Your Right to Basic Amenities


In New York City, one of the most important tenant rights involves heating and cooling. Due to the city's often extreme weather, landlords are required to maintain certain temperature conditions within rental units. During the winter months, landlords must ensure that apartments are heated to a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 degrees at night, if the temperature falls below freezing outside. In the summer, tenants have the right to expect that their apartments will have adequate cooling systems, such as air conditioning or other means to prevent heat-related illness.


Heating and cooling can also be a significant portion of a tenant's utility bills. According to energy.gov, about 43% of a home’s energy costs go toward heating and cooling. As such, it’s important to know how your utility bills are structured and whether your landlord includes utilities as part of your rent or if you’re responsible for paying separately. If you're paying for heating and cooling, be sure to monitor your energy usage and contact your landlord if you notice any issues with heating or air conditioning systems.


If your apartment is too cold in the winter or unbearably hot in the summer, and the landlord is not addressing the issue, you have legal avenues to address it. Tenants can file complaints with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) or take the issue to court if necessary. The city also offers resources for tenants facing heating and cooling problems, especially during extreme weather conditions.


Conclusion


Understanding your rights as a tenant in New York City is crucial to ensuring a safe and fair living environment. From protection against theft and property damage to understanding the legal eviction process and knowing your heating and cooling rights, it’s clear that tenants are entitled to a range of protections. By staying informed and proactive, you can safeguard your rights and take appropriate action if your living conditions are not being met. Always remember that legal resources, including tenant advocacy groups and legal aid organizations, are available to help tenants assert their rights and protect their interests in this complex urban landscape.

These lobby fireplaces are giving residents a warm welcome home

As the holiday season quickly approaches, so does the change in weather. Finding a source of warmth is top of mind as we enter the beginning of sweater weather season, and nothing beats the heat from a functioning fireplace to curl up next to. While the fireplace has been traditionally known for its physical warmth, it has also become an impeccable design statement. I wanted to pique your interest in featuring these luxury residential lobbies that are equipped with beautifully designed and functional fireplaces that provide guests and residents with a warm welcome home.

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The New Face of Luxury Real Estate for 2025: How Shifting Buyer Preferences Are Creating New Opportunities

By Bianca D’Alessio 

Nest Seekers International | The Masters Division | Founder

Nest Seekers Development Marketing | Managing Director

As we close the book on 2024 and approach 2025, evolving buyer preferences are reshaping luxury real estate in the most dynamic market across the country—New York, Boston, and Miami. These vibrant cities are witnessing a surge in demand for properties that goes above and beyond the standard notion of luxury. Today’s buyers are more discerning than ever, seeking properties that transcend aesthetics and design, and are defined by personalized experiences, as well as a commitment to smarter and more sustainable living. 

->Driven By Experience 

Standout architecture and premium finishes are no longer enough to impress buyers and renters in today’s market —it’s about the experience a property delivers. Over the past year, we’ve seen a major shift toward amenity and service-driven properties that align with the modern lifestyle, especially when it comes to leisure and well-being. These buyers work hard and play hard, and are increasingly willing to trade in square footage for more enhanced living experiences. They are gravitating toward features like thoughtfully-curated fitness and spa facilities, Olympic-sized pools, and professional-grade pickleball and basketball courts. Exclusive dining lounges as well as outdoor spaces have also emerged as essential value-adds.

Developers are responding to these demands by not only integrating experience-focused features into new developments but also activating them in novel ways through strategic partnerships, access and programming. In cities like Miami, Boston and New York, this trend is only increasing as we work closely with developers to establish elevated experiences that fulfills the needs of the more affluent and aspirational buyers.

->Eco-Conscious Living 

Today’s buyers are not just looking for an impressive property but a forward-thinking one. The luxury sector is seeing a surge in demand for sustainable buildings, with developers in all three cities incorporating eco-friendly designs. From energy-efficient appliances to LEED-certified construction and eco-conscious materials, these sustainability measures appeal to buyers willing to pay a premium for properties that align with their values.

Boston, in particular, is seeing a rise in demand for green buildings. Properties incorporating energy-efficient systems, green roofs, and sustainable materials appeal to buyers who prioritize the environment without compromising on style or luxury. In Miami, developers are considering resilient, climate-responsive designs, with hurricane-proof structures and elevated foundations becoming more prevalent in high-end markets. This is also a priority for a new generation of younger buyers who strongly emphasize sustainability into their entire lifestyle.

One of our best-selling development projects in the past year was 110 North 1st in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Entering the market as a mid-sized condominium building offering a curated package of spa-inspired amenities and services, the building outperformed all of the other competing projects in the neighborhood.

->Looking Ahead 

As 2025 approaches, the luxury markets in New York, Boston, and Miami and beyond will continue this exciting evolution to align with the values of today’s buyers. Sustainability, experiential features, cutting-edge technology, and personalized services will take center stage in a way we have never seen before. There will be an even stronger focus on enhanced smart home and security systems and hospitality-inspired offerings such as wellness programs, curated events, dining, and concierge services.

Stay connected! Follow Bianca D’Alessio on Instagram for more insights: www.instagram.com/biancadalessio


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Brown Harris Stevens Connecticut Partners to Support Local Families in Need This Holiday Season

Courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

This holiday season, Brown Harris Stevens Connecticut is bringing the community together to support local children and families in need. Partnering with the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce and the non-profit organization Person-To-Person, the real estate firm is participating in two heartwarming initiatives aimed at spreading joy and providing essential resources across Fairfield County.

For the New Canaan Gingerbread House Tour, now in its 20th year, Brown Harris Stevens staff and agents have purchased 150 gingerbread house kits from Walter Stewarts Market. Distributed through the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, these kits are decorated by children during the Thanksgiving holiday and displayed in local storefronts from December 6 to December 22 as part of the Holiday Stroll. This beloved tradition, made possible by community collaboration, adds a festive charm to the season while bringing smiles to young faces.

Courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

The partnership extends beyond seasonal festivities with a meaningful Food Drive to benefit Person-To-Person, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Fairfield County residents with essential resources like food pantries, clothing centers, and emergency financial assistance. Donation bins have been placed at all six Brown Harris Stevens Connecticut storefronts, providing an easy way for the community to contribute to families in need.

Courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens

“We are delighted to partner each year with these incredible organizations that inspire the holiday spirit,” said Christopher Halstead, Executive Sales Director for Brown Harris Stevens Connecticut. “Our real estate professionals are proud of our long-standing commitment to helping families in the communities where we live and work.”

With their focus on giving back to the community, Brown Harris Stevens invites everyone to join in spreading kindness and making a difference this holiday season.


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Why Loungewear Should Be a Staple in Your Everyday Wardrobe

Gone are the days when you needed to get all dressed up to look your best. Loungewear has become the apparel of choice for many people's everyday use. 

Despite being designed primarily to wear at home, it's not unusual to see people rocking tracksuits, sweatpants, cardigans, or slip dresses while out and about. The trend isn't slowing down, either. Market Research Future reports that the loungewear market is set to grow from $7.23 billion in 2024 to $15.87 billion by 2032. With more veering toward comfort and conscious consumption, the appeal of loungewear has only grown stronger since options are diverse, stylish, and multi-purpose; there's something for everyone. 

Here's why loungewear should be a staple in your everyday wardrobe:

The rise of loungewear

Loungewear isn't new in the fashion world, but its popularity quickly skyrocketed during the Covid-19 pandemic. With more working from home, people wanted comfortable yet presentable clothing, and loungewear fit the bill perfectly. Even as restrictions lifted, the trend persisted with a new spin. Aside from wearing these staples at home, people could style them to be worn in public so they could walk out the door with little effort. 

Fashionable options arose that catered to the use of loungewear in everyday life. Pieces like leggings, matching tracksuits, sweaters, and the like have adapted to the trend through innovations, making them even more comfortable and stylish to wear in various settings. Breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking properties, heat technology, and more designs, textures, and colors have made them must-haves for a multi-faceted lifestyle. Its popularity has also coincided with the shift away from fast fashion and overconsumption. Comfortable and stylish garments that can be worn for multiple purposes rather than opting for fashion fads make loungewear appealing to conscious consumers. 

The benefits of loungewear for everyday life

Versatility

Loungewear is no longer reserved for lazy days at home; they've become great casual clothing you can wear almost anywhere. Many pieces have shifted away from being slouchy and formless and have become more elevated, featuring premium materials, chic silhouettes, or matching sets for coordination. A Barefoot Dreams cardigan shows how loungewear blends comfort and fashion; you can wear one for a night in or throw one on before you leave the house to elevate your look. The CozyChic Cable Buttoned Cardigan can be worn for dinner out or while running errands, thanks to its structure and stylish elements, but it is still cozy enough for a chill weekend on the couch. The CozyChic Lite Shawl Cardigan can be layered with other pieces when the weather is cold or add warmth without being too hot during the spring or summer. Cardigans and other loungewear items can be worn almost anywhere for almost any occasion with the right styling to complement them. For those who love soft, timeless layers, browsing green knit cardigans online can offer effortlessly cozy options that pair beautifully with both relaxed and elevated loungewear looks.

Affordable celebrity style

Many dream of raiding the closets or emulating the looks of Hollywood A-listers or the music industry's elite, but designer clothes and accessories aren't accessible to many. Loungewear has emerged as a way to steal the style of your favorite celebrities without breaking the bank. Many stars have been seen rocking casual loungewear pieces like sweaters, matching sets, and leggings when out and about, and many aren't from expensive luxury fashion houses. Brands like Lululemon and Alo Yoga have earned the stamp of approval from stars like Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, and more. They're practical enough for daily activities while still looking cute for the paparazzi. Many celebrities with their own fashion brands have also hopped on the loungewear trend. Rihanna's Savage X Fenty line offers a wide range of loungewear staples, from hoodies to cuffed joggers to onesies. They center around exuding confidence and sexiness with a laid-back twist. Kim Kardashian also offers Skims loungewear, embodying luxury through her iconic name while still remaining affordable. Loungewear can help you channel your inner celebrity while staying within your budget and maintaining comfort.

Travel-friendly

Travel style often sacrifices fashion for comfort, but with loungewear, you can have the best of both worlds. Thanks to its versatility, loungewear is great for traveling, and you can mix and match it with other pieces in your wardrobe. You can wear a matching tracksuit for a put-together look and combine it with stylish accessories and sneakers for sightseeing or slip a sweater and sweatpants on at the hotel after a long day of thrilling activities. Our "5 Essentials You Need On Every Vacation Loungewear" post highlights how packing light clothing helps free up luggage space, and loungewear can be perfect since it has multiple purposes; you don't need to pack too much if you have pieces that can be used anywhere. It is also the ideal attire for airplanes and airports. Loungewear pieces aren't so pajama-like that they look strange to wear in public, but they provide equal comfort, perfect for long flights or waiting at the airport.