Can a New York tenant add roommates to the lease?
Only with the landlord's written consent. The lease specifies who can occupy the unit. Adding a roommate not on the lease is typically a material lease breach (unauthorized occupant). The proper procedure: tenant submits a written request, landlord runs the same screening on the proposed roommate as any new tenant, and (if approved) all parties sign a lease addendum or new lease. The landlord cannot refuse for arbitrary reasons but can refuse based on standard screening criteria (income, credit, criminal history within fair-housing limits).
Source: New York lease provisions
This is an informational answer based on New York lease provisions as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a New York-licensed attorney.