Under the New York State General Obligations Law, you may have a right to cancel your lease within a short period of time after signing. This right is commonly referred to as the "three-day cooling off period."
To be eligible for this option, the following conditions must be met:
1. The lease agreement was signed in the presence of a lessor or lessor's agent.
2. The lease term is more than one year.
3. The lease is for residential property.
If these conditions are met, you have three business days (including Saturday but not including Sunday or public holidays) to cancel the lease without incurring any penalties or obligations. To cancel the lease, you must:
1. Deliver written notice of the cancellation by mail to the lessor or lessor's agent.
2. Postmark the notice within three business days of signing the lease agreement.
3. Include a copy of the lease agreement with your notice.
It's important to note that the three-day cooling off period does not apply to all lease agreements. For example, it does not apply to lease agreements for commercial or industrial property or for leases that are shorter than one year. Also, some landlords may waive the three-day cooling off period in their leases.
If you have any questions about your right to cancel your lease, it is advisable to consult with an attorney.