Short answer: New York standard property policies generally exclude flood. Check FEMA maps, then buy NFIP or private flood coverage. Since June 21, 2023, Real Property Law §231-b requires residential leases to disclose FEMA floodplain status and known prior flood damage. NYSDEC coordinates floodplain management for the state.
This guide is general information for New York property owners and renters about flood risk and the National Flood Insurance Program. It isn't a coverage determination. FEMA maps, your community's floodplain ordinance and your policy wording control.
Check the map
Look up the address in FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. Note SFHA status (often Zone A or V) and any moderate-risk shading. Buyers with federally backed mortgages in an SFHA generally must carry flood insurance. Renters and owners outside the SFHA can still buy NFIP contents or building coverage through FloodSmart.
Lease flood disclosures
Under Real Property Law §231-b (effective June 21, 2023), every residential lease must disclose:
- Whether the property is in a FEMA 100-year floodplain (SFHA) or a 500-year moderate-risk floodplain
- Whether the landlord knows, or reasonably should know, of prior natural-flood damage
- That NFIP flood insurance is available for renters' contents and that standard renters policies typically exclude flood
New York Homes and Community Renewal summarized compliance for housing operators in Memorandum 2023-C-4. The notice applies to the building or multi-building development.
State floodplain office
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is New York's floodplain-management coordinator. DEC publishes floodplain-management coordinator contacts and works with local communities that administer NFIP floodplain ordinances. For NFIP product questions, start with FloodSmart and a licensed agent.
Waiting period
Most new NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Buy ahead of hurricane and nor'easter season.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in New York.
Frequently asked questions
What must New York leases disclose about flood?
FEMA floodplain status, known prior natural-flood damage, and that NFIP contents coverage is available to renters, under Real Property Law §231-b.
Who coordinates floodplain management in New York?
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Do New York renters need flood insurance?
Standard renters policies typically exclude flood. NFIP contents coverage is available separately.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.