Are landlords responsible for a tenant's damages to the rental unit?

In New York, landlords are generally responsible for any damage a tenant causes to the rental unit as long as the tenant was living there at the time of the damage. This is due to the implied warranty of habitability, which is an implied part of all leases in New York. This warranty means that landlords are responsible for keeping a rental unit in a fit and habitable condition throughout the duration of the lease. They must also protect the tenant’s safety and provide essential services such as heat and water. As a result, tenants cannot be held responsible for any damage they cause to the rental unit while living there. However, this does not mean that a landlord is automatically responsible for all damages to the rental unit caused by a tenant. Landlords can reduce their responsibility by providing clear guidelines for tenants on how to properly maintain and care for the rental unit. For example, landlords may require tenants to document any damages they find upon move in or to provide regular updates on the condition of the rental unit. Additionally, if a tenant willfully or negligently causes damage to the rental unit, the landlord can try to recover compensation from the tenant.

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Are landlords responsible for a tenant's damages to the rental unit?

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