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Buffalo, NY Rental Property Rules: Rent Increase Notice (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
NY RPL § 226-c
Trigger
5%+ increase or non-renewal
Under 1 year tenancy
30 days' notice
1 to 2 years
60 days' notice
Over 2 years
90 days' notice

Summary

Buffalo landlords must give tenants advance written notice before raising rent five percent or more, or declining to renew. New York's Real Property Law § 226-c sets the notice at 30, 60, or 90 days based on how long the tenant has lived in the unit.

Whenever a landlord intends to offer to renew the tenancy of an occupant in a residential dwelling unit with a rent increase equal to or greater than five percent above the current rent... at least thirty days' notice... at least sixty days' notice... at least ninety days' notice... the occupant's lawful tenancy shall continue under the existing terms of the tenancy from the date on which the landlord gave actual written notice until the notice period has expired

View official code

Full Breakdown

The rule is statewide under RPL § 226-c and reaches every unregulated rental in Buffalo. If a landlord plans a rent hike of five percent or more above the current rent, or won't renew the lease, written notice is mandatory: at least 30 days for tenants under one year, 60 days for one to two years, and 90 days for more than two years. Miss the deadline and the existing tenancy continues on current terms until proper notice runs out. Enforcement runs through New York courts; short or missing notice is a defense in a holdover or nonpayment proceeding.

Violations & Fines

A landlord who skips or shortens the § 226-c notice cannot enforce the increase; the prior rent and lease terms stay in effect until full written notice expires, and courts will bar a premature holdover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to month-to-month tenants in Buffalo?
Yes. RPL § 226-c covers month-to-month tenancies; the same 30/60/90-day tiers apply based on how long the tenant has occupied the unit.
What if my Buffalo landlord gave short notice?
The increase can't take effect early. Your tenancy continues on existing terms from the date of actual written notice until the required notice period expires.

Sources & Official References

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All Buffalo rules

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