New York State law requires real estate licensees who act as agents for landlords and tenants to explain the nature of their agency relationship, and the rights and obligations it creates. They do this with the Department of State’s New York State Disclosure Form for Landlord and Tenant (DOS-1735-f). The form is not a contract.
The relationships the form explains
- Landlord’s agent — represents the landlord and works to rent the property at a rent and on terms acceptable to the landlord.
- Tenant’s agent — represents the tenant and negotiates a rental or lease at a rent and on terms acceptable to the tenant.
- Broker’s agent — works with a listing agent or tenant’s agent (from a different firm) to help find a property; has no direct relationship with the landlord or tenant.
- Dual agent — one broker represents both landlord and tenant, only with the informed written consent of both. A dual agent cannot provide undivided loyalty to either side.
- Dual agent with designated sales agents — with written consent, the broker assigns one sales agent to the landlord and another to the tenant.
You may receive more than one of these forms during a rental, since each agent involved may be required to give you one. If you need legal, tax or other advice, consult a professional in that field.
This page is a plain-language summary for your convenience. The official New York State Department of State document governs.