Owner guide
After the Lease Is Signed: Who Does What
Finding the tenant is one job; looking after the apartment for the next year is another. Decide who handles it before the lease starts.
Three different jobs
- Leasing: pricing, marketing, showings, applications, negotiation. This is the core of Raphael’s assignment.
- Approval and move-in: the building’s package, the lease and its notices, the move-in. Also part of the assignment.
- Management after move-in: rent, repairs, building contact, accounting, renewal. Not included by default.
What management involves
| Task | What it involves | Who can handle it |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Collection, follow-up, receipts | You, a representative or a property manager |
| Repairs | Answering the tenant, contractors, building coordination | You, a representative or a property manager; the building for common elements |
| Deposit | Holding it, then returning it within 14 days of move-out with an itemized statement | You or your property manager |
| Renewal | Deciding on terms, Good Cause notice, building approval if required | You, with your agent if you wish |
| Taxes | Reporting rental income and expenses | You and your tax professional |
Choosing how to handle it
Owners who live nearby often manage themselves. Owners abroad usually rely on a trusted person or a property manager. Raphael discusses this with you before you sign a lease, so the tenant knows who to call from the first day.
Request a rental estimateLeasing from abroad
This guide explains common steps for owners. It is not legal or tax advice; for a decision about your lease, your building documents or your taxes, consult an attorney or tax professional.
Sources
- New York State Attorney General — Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide
- New York State Attorney General — Good Cause Eviction Law
Checked 2026-11-09. Rules change: confirm the current version before relying on them.