Rental Property Rules in Albany, NY (2026)
3 verified rental property rules for Albany, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rental Registration
Every rental dwelling unit in Albany must be registered with the Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance, with the only exception being units rented between close relatives.
Albany Rental Dwelling Registration
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code Sections 231-131, 231-132
Section 231-131. Registration of rental dwellings required. All rental dwelling units shall be registered according to the provisions in this part except where the agreement governing the rental unit is between individuals related by lineal consanguinity or directly by marriage. Section 231-132. Registration of rental dwellings. A. Registration. The City shall maintain a registry of all rental ...
Security Deposit Rules
Albany landlords are governed by New York state law on security deposits. Under §7-108, added by the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, security deposits on any residential lease are capped at one month's rent. Under §7-103, deposits must be held in trust and may not be commingled with the landlord's personal funds. Buildings with 6+ units must hold deposits in an interest-bearing NY bank account. Deposits must be returned within 14 days with an itemized statement of deductions.
Albany Security Deposit Rules (NY General Obligations Law §7-103 and §7-108)
Heavy RestrictionsNY General Obligations Law § 7-108
No deposit or advance shall exceed the amount of one month's rent, unless the deposit or advance is for a seasonal use dwelling unit.
Repairs & Habitability
Albany's Housing Code makes property owners responsible for maintaining their buildings and service facilities, and requires them to furnish adequate heat and hot water to tenants unless a unit has its own heating or hot-water system.
Albany Landlords Must Provide Heat, Hot Water
Some RestrictionsAlbany City Code § 231-99
Owners of premises shall also be responsible for proper maintenance, condition and function of their property and service facilities. Unless otherwise agreed in writing with a tenant, the owner shall be responsible for furnishing adequate heat and hot-water supply, except in units with individual heating system or domestic hot-water supply. [Amended 9-18-1995 by Ord. No. 19.51.94] C. In the...
Looking for Albany County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albany city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Albany County →