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City of Rochester

Landlord-Tenant Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

About

Housing is the foundation of strong communities, and by understanding the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, we can build a healthier and more unified city. 

The Landlord Tenant Bill of Rights highlights key obligations and protections under local, state, and federal laws that ensure landlords maintain safe, habitable properties and that tenants uphold cleanliness and report property issues promptly.

By working together, we can create fairness and equality in housing practices and strengthen landlord-tenant relationships.

Download the Landlord Tenant Bill of Rights

LandlordTenant
Maintain compliance with all city, county, and state requirements. Stay up to date with your Certificate of Occupancy.Maintain a safe and habitable home. Document any issues with your unit and contact the property owner or manager immediately
Your selection of tenant must be free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, immigration status, domestic victim status, source of income, or previous eviction history.If you feel you have been discriminated against in the process of trying to rent or in your lease go to thehousingcouncil.org/free-resources or the NYS Department of Human Rights for more information and resources.
Cannot evict lawful occupant without court order.Know your rights in case of an eviction, visit: thehousingcouncil.org/free-resources for information. You may be entitled to a Lawyer through the Tenant Defense Project.
Keep up-to-date records and give tenants rent receipts. You can charge a fee for late rental payments: $50 or 5% of monthly rent, whichever is less.Stay current on rent or pay late fees accordingly. You have a right to receipts for rent payments.
Retain a security deposit equal to one month rent, in case of unpaid rent, late fees, and cost of repairs beyond normal wear and tear.You have a right to the return of a security deposit or itemized list of charges within 14 days of request for security deposit.
Keep a property clean and sanitary. Retaliation is not allowed against tenants complaining about property conditions or organizing.Keep the rental unit clean and sanitary. You have the right to complain if the property is not maintained.
Maintain minimum temperature of 68 °F from Sept. 15 to May 31.Report any broken windows, malfunctioning heating units, etc. to property owner immediately
Keep property free of infestation.Keep your unit clean and contact your landlord at the first sign of a possible infestation.
Learn the rights of Section 8 or DHS-based in-come renters visit: thehousingcouncil.org/free-resources.Individuals cannot be denied a rental because of Section 8 or DHS-based income.
You must allow tenants to live with immediate family.You have the right to live with your immediate family.