On and after May 1, 1988, owners must use the Form, or a facsimile which has been approved by the
DHCR. No other form of renewal lease will be permitted. Therefore, an owner will not be permitted to add to or
subtract language from the text of the Form, and must receive DHCR approval prior to altering the format in any
manner.
The Form consists of 2 parts: The terms of the renewal offer, and the tenant’s acceptance of such offer
or notice of intention to vacate.
The Code requires that a renewal lease must be based on the same terms and conditions as the expiring
lease and must contain the beginning and ending dates of the renewal lease term. However, the Code authorizes
certain additional lawful provisions or written agreements between the owner and the tenant, (e.g., increases
pursuant to section 421-a of the Real Property Tax Law) to be added to the renewal lease. Copies of such
additional lawful provisions or written agreements must be attached to the Form.
3. Tenant’s Response to Offer
Tenants have 60 days from the date of service of the Form to accept the owner’s offer to renew the lease,
or to inform the owner of their intention to vacate the housing accommodation. Tenants must respond by
completing the Form, and must sign and return it to the owner either by mail (regular mail is sufficient), or
personal delivery within such time. A tenant who does not return the completed Form within such 60 day period
may be subject to an eviction proceeding brought by the owner in court based on refusal to renew.