New York 14-Day Rent Demand Notice — Template

INFORMATIONAL ONLY — NOT LEGAL ADVICE. New York landlord-tenant law is among the most complex and tenant-protective in the United States. Critical differences exist between New York City and the rest of the state, between rent-stabilized and non-regulated units, and across different property types. This template is a general reference only. Have any notice reviewed by a New York-licensed attorney before serving it. New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) §711(2) requires a landlord to make a written demand for rent at least 14 days before commencing a summary (eviction) proceeding for non-payment. This 14-day demand is distinct from additional notice requirements that may apply to your specific tenancy type, particularly rent-stabilized and rent-controlled units.

Original Message

You owe rent. Pay it or I will take legal action. You have been warned.

Professional Version

FOURTEEN-DAY NOTICE REQUIRING PAYMENT OF RENT

Date: [DATE]

To: [TENANT FULL NAME(S)]
Premises: [FULL PROPERTY ADDRESS, INCLUDING UNIT NUMBER], [CITY], New York [ZIP CODE]

You are hereby notified that you are in arrears in the payment of rent for the above-described premises in the amount of $[AMOUNT DUE], representing unpaid rent for the period of [PERIOD].

DEMAND IS HEREBY MADE that you pay the sum of $[TOTAL AMOUNT DUE] within FOURTEEN (14) DAYS from the date of service of this notice.

FAILURE TO PAY the amount demanded within the time stated will result in the commencement of summary proceedings to recover possession of the premises.

[LANDLORD / AUTHORIZED AGENT NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]

— INFORMATIONAL TEMPLATE. NOT LEGAL ADVICE. New York landlord-tenant law is extremely complex. Consult a New York-licensed attorney before serving any notice.

Polite Version

NOTICE OF RENT ARREARS — FOURTEEN DAYS TO PAY

Date: [DATE]

To: [TENANT FULL NAME(S)]
Premises: [FULL PROPERTY ADDRESS, INCLUDING UNIT NUMBER], [CITY], New York [ZIP CODE]

This notice is to inform you that rent in the amount of $[AMOUNT DUE] for the above premises, covering the period of [PERIOD], remains unpaid as of today.

Under New York law, you have fourteen (14) days from the date of service of this notice to pay the full amount owed of $[TOTAL AMOUNT DUE].

If you believe there has been an error, or if payment has recently been sent, please contact us immediately.

We prefer to resolve this without legal proceedings. Please be advised that failure to pay within fourteen days may result in the commencement of summary proceedings in Housing Court.

Sincerely,
[LANDLORD / AUTHORIZED AGENT NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]

— INFORMATIONAL TEMPLATE. NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

Firm Version

FOURTEEN-DAY RENT DEMAND

Date: [DATE]

TO: [TENANT FULL NAME(S)]
PREMISES: [FULL PROPERTY ADDRESS, INCLUDING UNIT NUMBER], [CITY], New York [ZIP CODE]

PURSUANT TO NEW YORK REAL PROPERTY ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS LAW §711, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN AND DEMAND IS HEREBY MADE that you pay all rent in arrears in the amount of $[TOTAL AMOUNT DUE] within FOURTEEN (14) DAYS of service of this notice.

FAILURE TO PAY will result in the commencement of a summary proceeding to recover possession of the above premises.

[LANDLORD / AUTHORIZED AGENT NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]

— INFORMATIONAL TEMPLATE. NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

When to Use This Template

  • When a New York tenant has failed to pay rent and you intend to commence a non-payment proceeding in Housing Court
  • This is a prerequisite — you generally cannot commence a non-payment proceeding without first serving a valid 14-day rent demand under RPAPL §711
  • ⚠️ REQUIRES LEGAL REVIEW: Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled apartments in New York City are subject to entirely separate regulatory frameworks — this template does NOT apply to those units without significant modification and legal review
  • ⚠️ REQUIRES LEGAL REVIEW: The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 significantly changed New York landlord-tenant law; Good Cause Eviction protections enacted in 2024 further modified the landscape — consult a current New York attorney
  • ⚠️ REQUIRES LEGAL REVIEW: Proper service requirements in New York (personal service, substituted service with mailing, conspicuous service) are strictly interpreted by Housing Courts
  • ⚠️ REQUIRES LEGAL REVIEW: The full legal address including unit number must appear correctly — notice defects are scrutinized closely

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a standard template for rent-stabilized or rent-controlled apartments: Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled apartments in New York have separate, complex regulatory frameworks. A standard pay-or-quit template is not appropriate for these units; specialized legal counsel is required.
Not including the full legal address including unit number: New York courts scrutinize notice defects carefully. A notice that omits the unit number or uses an informal address description may be challenged and dismissed.
Failing to account for Good Cause Eviction protections enacted in 2024: New York enacted Good Cause Eviction protections in 2024, which apply to many tenancies not previously covered by rent stabilization. Landlords who proceed without understanding these protections risk procedural and substantive errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statutory basis for New York's 14-day rent demand?

New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) §711(2) provides that a summary non-payment proceeding may be maintained when a tenant has defaulted in payment of rent and refused, upon demand, to pay or surrender possession. A written 14-day demand is required before commencing the proceeding.

Does this apply to rent-stabilized apartments in New York City?

⚠️ Flagged for legal review. Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled apartments are subject to entirely separate regulatory frameworks administered by DHCR. The rules for notices, rent increases, and evictions are substantially different. Do not use a general template for stabilized units — consult a New York attorney.

What is the impact of Good Cause Eviction protections in New York?

⚠️ Flagged for legal review. New York enacted Good Cause Eviction protections in 2024, significantly expanding tenant protections beyond rent stabilization. These provisions may affect your ability to evict and the notice requirements applicable to your property. Consult a current New York-licensed attorney.