Required First Step

NYC Rent Demand Notice Preparation

Compliant 14-day rent demand notices that meet strict NYC Housing Court requirements

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What is a Rent Demand Notice?

A rent demand notice is the mandatory first step before filing a nonpayment eviction petition in NYC. This notice gives your tenant 14 days (or the notice period specified in the lease) to pay all rent owed before you can proceed to Housing Court.

The notice must include specific legal language, an exact calculation of rent owed, payment instructions, and warnings about potential eviction. Any error in the rent demand can invalidate your entire case.

Critical Requirements for Rent Demands

Housing Court will dismiss your nonpayment case if your rent demand is defective. Common errors include:

  • Incorrect rent calculation (must match petition exactly)
  • Missing or vague payment instructions
  • Improper notice period (must be 14 days or lease period)
  • Failure to include required legal warnings
  • Non-compliant service method or proof
  • Demanding charges other than rent (utilities, late fees)

A dismissed case means starting over: new rent demand, new waiting period, more lost rent.

Get It Right the First Time

Our experts prepare compliant rent demands that withstand scrutiny. Don't risk your case with DIY forms.

What Must Be Included in Your Rent Demand

Exact Rent Calculation

Month-by-month breakdown of unpaid rent, showing the period, amount due, and total owed

Payment Instructions

Where, when, and how tenant must pay (specific address, hours, accepted payment methods)

Legal Language

Required statutory warnings about eviction proceedings if rent is not paid

Notice Period

14 days for month-to-month tenants, or notice period specified in lease (never less than 14 days)

Property Description

Exact address and apartment number

Service Method

Compliant delivery method with proper affidavit of service

Common Rent Demand Mistakes That Destroy Your Case

❌ Wrong Amount

Rent demand shows $5,000 owed, but petition shows $5,200. Case dismissed. Tenant gets extra months rent-free.

❌ Including Non-Rent Charges

Adding late fees or utilities to rent demand. Nonpayment cases are for rent only. Case dismissed.

❌ Vague Payment Instructions

"Pay at my office" without address or hours. Court says tenant had no reasonable way to cure. Dismissed.

❌ Improper Service

Mailed rent demand without proper certificate. No proof of service = no case. Must start over.

Avoid These Mistakes

Our rent demands are triple-checked for accuracy and compliance. Start your case on solid footing.

Timeline: Rent Demand to Eviction

Day 1

Serve rent demand notice on tenant

Days 2-14

Tenant has 14 days to pay in full

Day 15

If unpaid, you can file nonpayment petition

Days 16-30

Court schedules initial appearance

Day 30+

Court appearance, possible settlement or trial

Important: The 14-day period starts the day after service. If served incorrectly, the clock never starts and your petition will be invalid.

What's Included in Our Rent Demand Service

Compliant rent demand notice with all required language
Accurate rent calculation and ledger
Detailed payment instructions
Service instructions (personal, substitute, conspicuous)
Affidavit of service template
Proof of mailing certificate (if applicable)
Follow-up nonpayment petition preparation (bundled)
Expert review and compliance check

Start Your Nonpayment Case Right

Get a compliant rent demand prepared by experts. Available in 24-48 hours with petition preparation option.