Can the landlord legally require electronic mode for payment of rents?

Full question:

My landlord is insisting electronic mode for payment of rents. Can the landlord legally require such mode of payment under New York law?

• Category: Landlord Tenant
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: New York

Answer:

No, a landlord in New York cannot require a tenant to opt only electronic mode for paying rents. Neither can a landlord collect any extra charge from the tenant for choosing other payment mode. This is dealt under the heading Electronic billing and/or payment of rent, N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 235-g, which reads as:
1. A landlord shall not require a lessee or tenant to use an electronic billing and/or payment system as the only method for the payment of rent. A landlord shall not assess any fee or other charge for a lessee or tenant that chooses not to use an electronic billing and/or payment system.
 
2. Any agreement by a lessee or tenant of a dwelling waiving or modifying his or her rights as set forth in this section shall be void as contrary to public policy.