NY Agency Disclosure Form: What You’re Signing & Why It Matters
What Is the New York State Agency Disclosure Form?
Think of this two-page handout as a “who’s-on-your-team” cheat sheet for every rental transaction. Written and mandated by the New York State Department of State, the form:
- Explains the different kinds of agency relationships allowed in NY real estate.
- Tells you which role your broker is playing—landlord’s agent, tenant’s agent, etc.
- Must be presented before you share confidential info or start negotiations.
Not a contract. The form itself states, “THIS IS NOT A CONTRACT.”
You’re only acknowledging that the broker has explained their legal role.
At Pinpointe Group, we give you this state-authored form and keep a signed copy on file to stay 100 % compliant.
2. Why You’re Asked to Sign
New York law wants everyone to know who owes loyalty to whom. Signing proves the broker disclosed their role, so there are no hidden agendas or surprises later in the deal.
3. The Five Agency Roles: Plain-English Guide
| Role on the Form | Plain-English Summary | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord’s Agent | Broker works for the landlord, aiming for the best rent and terms for them. | Loyalty, confidentiality, and strategy belong to the landlord. |
| Tenant’s Agent | Broker works for you, the renter, looking for the best apartment and price. | Full loyalty, confidentiality, and advocacy are yours. |
| Broker’s Agent | A cooperating broker who assists another broker. | You don’t direct them; they report to the broker that hired them. |
| Dual Agent | One broker tries to help both renter and landlord (not allowed due to the FARE Act). | You lose “undivided loyalty” because the broker must remain neutral. |
| Dual Agent with Designated Agents | The firm assigns one agent to you and a different agent to the landlord. | Better separation than dual agency, but still not full single-party loyalty. |
Pinpointe policy: We do not practice dual agency in rentals. You will work with either a Landlord’s Agent (see our Pre-Showing Acknowledgement) or a Tenant’s Agent (see our Tenant Broker Compensation Agreement)—never both.
4. How the Disclosure Form Fits with Pinpointe’s Other Paperwork
| Situation | Our Role | Additional Paperwork |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord hires Pinpointe; you inquire about listing | Landlord’s Agent | NY Agency Disclosure Form + Pre-Showing Acknowledgement |
| You hire Pinpointe to search wider inventory | Tenant’s Agent | NY Agency Disclosure Form + Tenant Broker Compensation Agreement |
FAQ – NY Agency Disclosure Form
Is this a contract that binds me?
No, it’s not a contract. It just shows that you understand who the broker represents. You can still walk away or hire someone else.
Do I pay anything by signing?
No money changes hands. Fees are covered in other forms like our Pre-Showing Acknowledgement or Tenant Broker Compensation Agreement.
Can the agency role change later?
Yes, but only with your informed written consent on a new disclosure form.
What if I don’t sign?
State law says brokers can’t proceed with confidential info or negotiations, so we’d have to pause the process.
