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Can a landlord force the tenant to pay rent by electronic medium?

Can a landlord force the tenant to pay rent by electronic medium?

Q: Can a landlord tell you to get rid of stuff?

Yes, a landlord can request that you remove personal items if they are violating lease terms or creating safety hazards. However, they cannot arbitrarily demand you to get rid of belongings without a valid reason. Always refer to your lease agreement for specific terms regarding storage and personal property.

Q: Can my landlord refuse to accept cash?

Yes, a landlord can refuse to accept cash as a payment method, but they must provide alternative options. In New York, landlords cannot force tenants to use only electronic payment methods, and they must accept other forms of payment, such as checks or money orders, unless otherwise specified in the lease.

Q: What is illegal for a landlord to do in NY?

It is illegal for a landlord in New York to engage in discriminatory practices, retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights, or fail to maintain habitable living conditions. Additionally, they cannot force tenants to pay rent exclusively through electronic means or impose fees for not using electronic payments.

Q: Can a landlord force me to pay rent in cash?

No, a landlord cannot force you to pay rent in cash. In New York, landlords must provide alternative payment methods, such as checks or electronic payments. If your landlord insists on cash only, this may violate your rights under state law.

Full question:

My landlord is forcing me to pay my rent through an electronic system and is refusing to accept cash or check payment. Under the New York law, is a landlord permitted to force a tenant to use an electronic payment system as the only method for the payment of rent?

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

Answer:

No, your landlord is wrong in asking you to pay rent only by electronic medium. In New York, a landlord is not allowed to force a tenant to use an “electronic billing and/or payment system as the only method for the payment of rent.”

NY CLS Real P § 235-g reads:

“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.”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can a landlord force you to pay for Internet?

No, a landlord cannot force you to pay for Internet services unless it is explicitly stated in your lease agreement. Tenants are not obligated to pay for additional services like Internet unless they have agreed to those terms in writing. If you believe your landlord is trying to impose such a requirement without proper agreement, you may want to consult with a legal professional for guidance.

Can a landlord tell you to get rid of stuff?

Can my landlord refuse to accept cash?

What can't a landlord do in NY?

In New York, landlords cannot retaliate against tenants, refuse to make necessary repairs, or discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected categories. They also cannot force tenants to use electronic payment systems exclusively or charge fees for not using such methods. Always check local laws for specific tenant rights.