Got a notice under my door yesterday saying starting next month they won’t take checks or money orders for rent. It has to go through some portal I never asked for, and if I use a card there’s a convenience fee. Only way to avoid the fee is autopay, but that pulls from my bank and I hate giving them my info. I’m in a rent-stabilized unit. Is it legal for them to eliminate a fee-free method? I was under the impression a landlord has to accept a check or cash unless the lease says otherwise. My lease actually says “check or money order” straight up.

Yeah, I’d push back. My last landlord tried the same and I asked them to show me where the lease allowed it. They eventually sent a letter saying checks are still OK “for now.” These portals are usually about making it easier for the management office, not you. If your lease says check or money order, that’s the agreement. Don’t just click accept on the portal terms.

Wait, I didn’t know this was a thing. Our building switched to an online system a few months ago and I’ve just been paying the fee because I use my credit card for points. Does the same rule apply to market-rate or only rent-stabilized? I should probably read my lease again, I just assumed everyone had to use the portal. Following this thread!

OH this drives me crazy!!! Landlords LOVE the portal because it shifts the payment friction, and sometimes the fee, to you. Flatbush_Fi, have you checked the DHCR fact sheet on rent payment methods? That’s the first thing I’d send to them. The key detail: if your lease specifies payment by check or money order, they can’t unilaterally take that away mid-lease. And a convenience fee charged only to avoid autopay can start looking like extra rent by another name. Also ask them for their written policy on cash payments — some owners get very quiet when you do that. Please keep us posted!!

Okay now I’m worried I’ve been overpaying. My portal says “free” with bank account but I set it up with my debit card and I think there was a processing fee each month? I need to look at my ledger. DykerNewbie, I’m market rate too. Anyone know if this is something 311 handles or do I just email the management company? Also, if the lease is silent about payment method, do they have to offer a no-fee option?

Quick update: I emailed the management office with the lease language and mentioned DHCR. Never heard back by email, but yesterday a new notice went up saying checks and money orders will still be accepted at the drop box, they just “strongly encourage” the portal. So the fee is avoidable now. To big_city_beth: read your lease first. If it doesn’t mandate a portal, ask in writing for a no-fee payment option and keep records. They count on people not pushing back.