Itemized fees
The landlord or their agent must give you an itemized written list of the fees you must pay, with a description of each, before you sign the lease.
NYC FARE ACT
The NYC FARE Act: who pays the broker fee?
Since June 11, 2025, a landlord's agent in New York City cannot charge you a broker fee, and every fee you must pay has to be disclosed in writing before you sign. Here is what that means when you rent from abroad.
NYC rentersEffective June 11, 2025Written fee disclosure
WHAT CHANGED
The landlord's agent can no longer bill you.
Under the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act, a broker or listing agent working for the landlord cannot charge you a broker fee, and the landlord is responsible if they do. Leases signed before the law took effect may be treated differently.
That does not mean every cost disappears. Your agent explains each payment and when it is due before you commit.
BEFORE YOU SIGN
What the law requires you to be told
Your signature
You sign the disclosure and receive a copy. The landlord or agent must keep the record for three years.
Honest listings
Listings and ads cannot include unlawful broker fees and must clearly state the fees tenants have to pay.
No forced agent
A landlord or agent cannot require you to use a specific agent or a dual agent. You may choose to hire your own agent and pay them.
Keep every written fee list. Save the disclosure, the lease and your receipts. If something looks wrong, they are your evidence when you file a complaint.
OPTIONS
If you hire your own agent
You can choose to hire an agent who represents you. That is a separate agreement between you and that agent, not a cost set by the landlord.
- ✓ The agent explains representation and any fee in writing before you engage them
- ✓ The fee is agreed with you separately from the landlord's costs
- ✓ A tenant's agent cannot make specific units available only if you hire them
- ✓ Ask what is included, when it is due and how it is paid
- ✓ Compare more than one option before agreeing to anything
What applies depends on each property. MoveToNYC and your assigned agent explain it before you commit.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Fees you can still be charged.
The law removes the landlord's agent fee, not every cost of renting.
Credit and background check
Landlords may charge for background and credit checks. Under New York State law, that fee is generally capped at $20. Read the NYC rules on broker fees.
If you are charged an illegal fee
Keep messages, screenshots and receipts and file a complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Illegal fees may have to be repaid. See how to file a complaint.
Security deposit
A security deposit is capped at one month's rent under New York State law. Read the Attorney General's tenant guide.
A MORE EFFICIENT SEARCH
How your assigned agent helps
- 1
Share your plan
Tell us your move date, budget and the neighborhoods you like.
- 2
Check the listing
Confirm the listing states the fees you would pay.
- 3
Tour by video
See the home live before you apply.
- 4
Ask for the fee list
Request the itemized written disclosure early.
- 5
Apply
Prepare your documents and submit the application.
- 6
Review and sign
Check the lease, fees and receipts before signing and the key handover.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Broker fees and the FARE Act
Do I pay a broker fee in NYC now?
Not to the landlord's agent. If you choose to hire your own agent, a separate fee may apply, explained in writing before you engage them.
When did the FARE Act start?
It took effect on June 11, 2025.
Do I still pay a security deposit?
Yes. It is capped at one month's rent under New York State law.
What if I am charged an illegal fee?
Keep the evidence and file a complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Illegal fees may have to be repaid.
Does the FARE Act apply if I rent from abroad?
It applies to rentals in New York City. We confirm how it applies to your listing before you apply.
Tell us what you need in New York.
We will respond as soon as possible and explain the best next step for your search.
This page provides general information and is not legal, financial or credit advice. Landlords and buildings determine their own lawful screening requirements, and approval is not guaranteed. The licensed real estate agent and brokerage responsible for brokerage services will be identified before those services begin.