Eileen O'Toole Esq.

Effective Oct. 16, 2025, a new provision of New York’s Real Property Law (RPL) prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by the landlord as a result of the check being dishonored for insufficient funds.

Can You Turn Extra Space into an 'Ancillary Dwelling Unit'?

Under the ADU program, owners of one- and two-family buildings can turn extra space into rental units.

Nov 9, 2025

Eileen O'Toole Esq.

Under the ADU program, owners of one- and two-family buildings can turn extra space into rental units.

Feature

Take 4 Steps When Tenant Withholds Rent

Certain conditions may entitle the tenant to a rent abatement.

Oct 30, 2025

Eileen O'Toole Esq.

Certain conditions may entitle the tenant to a rent abatement.

Management Basics

Collect Higher A/C Rent Surcharge for 2025–26

The higher surcharge reflects an increase in electricity costs.

Oct 29, 2025

Eileen O'Toole Esq.

2025-26-AC-charts.pdf

The higher surcharge reflects an increase in electricity costs.

New Laws & Regs

Security Deposit Return Requirements Expanded to Cover Rent-Regulated Tenants

Oct 28, 2025

Eileen O'Toole Esq.

Since the passage of the HSTPA, these rules have applied only to unregulated tenants -- until now.

New Laws & Regs

New State Law Bans Landlords from Setting Rents via Algorithms

Oct 27, 2025

Eileen O'Toole Esq.

New York State has enacted legislation that bans landlords from using certain algorithm-based software to set residential rents, which critics claimed would amount to collusion and price-fixing in violation of antitrust laws.

Articles by Eileen O'Toole Esq.