The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act took effect in New York City in June 2025. About six months later, we hit the streets to see how much New Yorkers really know about the FARE Act and how to report possible violations of the law.

Watch our third episode of StreetEasy Street Smarts below to play along and test your knowledge of NYC rental violation reporting. Be sure to like the video and subscribe to our channel, so you never miss an episode!

Video Transcript

Yay.

Gimme my money. 

Whoo!

Welcome back to “StreetEasy Street Smarts.” I’m your host, Shacottha Fields, and today we’re testing New Yorkers on their knowledge of the FARE Act, how it impacts their rights as renters, and how to report any violations of those rights. We’re here in Nomad, where contestants will compete for prizes from local businesses. Remember, this is just for fun, so always talk to a professional for real estate advice. 

What is the primary change for renters brought by the FARE Act? A, it caps security deposit at one month’s rent. B, it mandates that the hiring party must pay the broker fee, or C, it requires all apartments have in unit laundry?

B.

B.

I would go with B.

Okay. Yes?

I would say A.

I’m gonna say A.

Hmm. Dang. Gotta think about this one. Hmm.

It’s a guess, but I’ll say B about the broker’s fee.

Okay, correct.

Okay.

B.

Correct. You knew that in your chest. Like B! Okay. 

The FARE Act took effect on June 11th, 2025, and it shifts the responsibility for broker’s fees from renters to the party who hired the broker directly, usually the landlord or the property manager. Okay?

Yeah.

All right, but that’s just the first one.

I paid a broker’s fee a little over a year ago, so I wish I’d moved a little later.

Okay. Okay, next apartment. Next apartment. 

Which of the following is a possible violation of the FARE Act? A, a listing requiring a pet fee. B, an agent refusing to show you a listing unless you pay a fee. Or C, an agent emailing you to schedule a showing.

I’m gonna say B again.

I would say that it’s B.

Definitely B.

I’ll take this one. B.

Yeah, I would say B.

I think B is a violation.

Good job!

Come on.

B. Gimme my money! Show me the money! 

Wherever the violations occur on the listing or in communications with an agent, asking renters to pay a broker fee when they didn’t hire the broker may violate the law. 

Which New York City department should you report possible FARE Act violations to? A, NYC Department of Buildings. B, NYC Office of Rent Administration, or C, NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

Hmm. I think A.

I believe B, but it could be C.

I would say C.

I’m gonna go with A.

Again, a guess, but I’ll say B.

I’ll go with the B!

B.

It’s actually C.

Stan!

Think for yourself.

When reporting a FARE Act violation to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, or DCWP, be sure to include all details, like dates, listing URLs, and screenshots so they can investigate. So this one is a true or false, okay? In addition to reporting to DCWP, New Yorkers can also report violations to StreetEasy.

I believe that that’s true. Because that’s why we’re here, right?

[Shacottha] That’s why we’re here.

Yeah.

True.

That’s true.

True.

True.

Yes.

I would say true.

That’s true! Okay.

Awesome.

I’mma go with true.

Yes. Yes! You right, you right. You can see. If you see a violation, report it to DCWP first, then use the report listings button so StreetEasy can investigate and take any appropriate action.

Okay.

Under the FARE Act, which of the following must clearly be disclosed in rental listings? A, all one time, and recurring costs the tenant will pay. B, a list of all brokers who showed the property. C, the address of every comparable apartment in the building.

A.

A.

A. Yeah.

I would say A.

A.

I would say A.

A.

Correct. You can-

I’m bathing in it. 

You can now easily see one time and recurring fees under the cost and fees breakdown on StreetEasy listings. Wow, New Yorkers really know their stuff. The FARE Act is a big change in tenants rights and reporting bad actors help shape the future of renting in New York City. If you want more NYC real estate tips, check out our blog below. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share so you’re ready for the next episode of “StreetEasy Street Smarts.” I’m Shacottha Fields signing off. Until next time, stay sharp, stay savvy, and always read the fine print.