What are the NYC dog apartment laws?

nyc dog apartment laws
What are the NYC dog apartment laws?


Most dog parents would give up their homes before giving up their dogs. Here are the specifics to know if your landlord has a no-pet rule.

You may be exempt from your landlord’s no-pet rule if the following are true:

1. You’ve had the dog for at least three months in the building.

2. The landlord is aware you’ve had the dog.

3. The landlord or someone on the landlord’s behalf has not taken action related to you having the dog.

4. Your dog does not pose a nuisance to other people in the building.

5. Your landlord is not the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA.) The NYCHA is exempt from this law.


Do NYC housing providers have to allow emotional support dogs for tenants with disabilities?

Yes, unless it would cause undue hardship to the housing provider or if the dog is causing a nuisance to other tenants.

Can a building’s no dog policy apply to emotional support dogs?


No. Housing providers must allow emotional support dogs unless doing so would cause undue hardship.

Can NYC landlords state “no dogs” in their apartment listings?


NYC landlords can state “no dogs” in their listings but they should add something like “unless you need accommodations for a disability.”

Can NYC landlords require dogs to be on a leash in common areas?


Yes. Any type of dog should always be on a leash in common areas.

Can an NYC landlord ask for an explanation of why the tenant needs an emotional support dog?


Yes. If the tenant’s disability is not visibly apparent the landlord can ask for a letter from a treatment provider. The landlord can not ask to know the specific disability a tenant has though.

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities under the NYC
Human Rights Law, see the NYC Commission on Human Rights Legal
Enforcement Guidance on Discrimination on the Basis of Disability.

If you have been a victim of discrimination, please call the Commission’s Infoline at 718-722-3131 to report it.

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