Yeah, this (
https://hcr.ny.gov/system/files/docu...44-12-2022.pdf) definitely makes it sound illegal to charge pet fees in rent stabilized apartments:
"Unlawful Fees:
Fees for background checks on rent stabilized tenants in occupancy. Fees cannot be charged to the tenant for a background check on a prospective roommate or additional family member.
Pet security deposits or fees for a service animal are in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Effective November 21, 2022, fees (surcharges) for tenant-installed air conditioning units if the tenant pays for the electric utility service. Fees for owner installed air conditioner brackets are prohibited.
Fees including but not limited to damage fees, repair fees of any kind including those incurred for removal of municipal violations, painting fees, cleaning fees and other fees not established by or in excess of the amount allowed by the rent regulations or other municipal regulations are prohibited. Please note that the inappropriateness of imposing these fees through the lease may not necessarily prevent an owner from independently seeking other relief in court for objectionable conduct or damages.
The $20 fee that must be paid by owners to the municipality for each stabilized apartment cannot be passed along as a fee to the tenant."
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