Rent reporting & the law in New York

"Rent reporting" laws are spreading, and they set rules for landlords who let tenants build credit from rent. Here's where things actually stand as of 2026 — separating enacted law from proposals. This is educational information, not legal advice.

California: already law (AB 2747)

California's AB 2747 took effect April 1, 2025. Landlords of buildings with more than 15 units generally must offer tenants the option to have positive (on-time) rent reported to at least one major credit bureau. Key rules: it's opt-in, positive-only, offered at lease signing and annually, with the tenant fee capped at the lesser of the actual cost or $10/month.

New York: proposed, not yet law (A2729)

New York's A2729 is modeled on California's approach but is still in committee (its latest action was in May 2026) — it has not passed. If enacted as drafted, it would require a specific notice in the lease, written tenant opt-in before positive reporting, annual notice, a fee cap of the lesser of actual cost or $5/month, and a six-month lockout before a tenant who opts out can re-enroll. Because the bill is still moving, the details can change — follow it at the New York Senate site.

What a compliant offer looks like

• Opt-in, positive-only: get the tenant's written authorization before reporting; report on-time payments, not just misses.
• Clear notice: tell tenants their payment information may be reported to credit bureaus, at lease signing and annually.
• Fee cap: charge no more than the law allows (many landlords offer it free as a perk).
• Easy opt-out: let tenants stop at any time; never tie the fee to eviction or the deposit.
• Keep records: retain the consent and notices.

How CertRent helps

CertRent's rent-reporting tools capture each tenant's written opt-in, deliver the required notice, enforce the fee cap, and keep the record — so you can offer rent reporting today and stay ready for New York's rules if A2729 becomes law.