Commercial Lessor

Commercial Lessor License Application Checklist

Who Must Have a Commercial Lessor License?

A business must have a Commercial Lessor license if it owns or leases its premises for authorized organization(s) to conduct charitable gaming activities such as bingo games and games of chance.

This description is only a general explanation of which businesses need to have a Commercial Lessor license.

Important Message about Business Certificate

You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. Although DCWP does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCWP may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.

Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.

Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.

Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. You can check your status at dos.ny.gov/corps.

Requirements

DCWP will deny your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:

  • New York State Gaming Commission Application Materials
    Submit two signed, completed copies of the New York State Racing & Wagering Board application materials, available for download at gaming.ny.gov/charitablegaming/

    To allow Bingo games, submit:
    • BC-101 Application for Commercial Lessor’s License
    • BC-102 Bingo Rental Statement
    • BC-102A Bingo Rental Statement Schedule A. On this form you will provide information about your premises, income, and expenses. You must also submit income and expense documentation for the time period listed on the Schedule.
    • BC-116 LEASE Agreement - Use of Premise for Bingo
    • BC-204 Commercial Lessor’s Monthly Rental Statement
    • Form 103 Schedule D - Individual Statement. Each person with 10% or more proprietary, equitable, or credit interest in the business (e.g., guard, manager, bookkeeper, stockholder, etc.) must complete this form. Individuals must attach a color photo to form.
    • Form 104 Schedule B - Individual, Partner, Association, etc. Statement. All business entities except for corporations must complete this form. Attach a copy of your entity agreement and financial statements.
    • Form 105 Schedule C - Corporation Statement. You must complete this form if your business is a corporation. Attach a copy of your most recent tax return, entity agreement, and financial statements.
    • Form 108 Schedule E - List of Employees, Agents or Representatives

    To allow Games of Chance, submit:
    • GC-101 Application for Games of Chance Lessor's License
    • GC-102 Games of Chance Rental Statement. On this form you will provide information about your premises, income, and expenses. You must also submit income and expense documentation for the time period listed on the Schedule.
    • Form 103 Schedule D - Individual Statement. Each person with 10% or more proprietary, equitable, or credit interest in the business (e.g., guard, manager, bookkeeper, stockholder, etc.) must complete this form. Individuals must attach a color photo to form.
    • Form 104 Schedule B - Individual, Partner, Association, etc. Statement. All business entities except for corporations must complete this form. Attach a copy of your entity agreement and financial statements.
    • Form 105 Schedule C - Corporation Statement. You must complete this form if your business is a corporation. Attach a copy of your most recent tax return, entity agreement, and financial statements.
    • Form 108 Schedule E - List of Employees, Agents or Representatives
  • Granting Authority to Act Affirmation, if applicable (download Affirmation).
    Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application.
    Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.
  • Department of Buildings Documents
    You must submit a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy, Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (expiring no less than 30 days from date of application submission), OR Letter of No Objection from the Department of Buildings (DOB) confirming that your premises is suitable to operate your business. If you submit a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, it must be the most current version and show approval of the premises for “Use Group 6” and “Bingo,” “Bingo Hall,” “Meeting Hall,” or “Meeting Room.”

    In addition, if the premises will be able to accommodate 75 or more persons, you must submit a copy of your Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation issued by DOB. The certificate must be the most current version and show approval of the premises for “Use Group 6” and “Bingo,” “Bingo Hall,” “Meeting Hall,” or “Meeting Room.” For more information, visit DOB’s Web site
  • Premises Approval by the Fire Department
    You must receive premises approval from the Fire Department (FDNY) in order to obtain a Commercial Lessor license. Complete the Application to Request an Inspection/Recommendation (download) and DCWP will forward your request to FDNY. FDNY will notify DCWP of your inspection results. Please note that if you fail the inspection, it is your responsibility to correct problems.
  • License Fee
    Must be paid by credit card, money order, or check. Cards accepted at the DCWP Licensing Center include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card. Credit card payments are subject to a convenience fee. Checks or money orders must be payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. The charts below list the amount due depending upon your expected rental income for the upcoming year.

    Please note that a convenience fee applies if you submit your license application online. A major credit card is required to submit applications online.  
Commerical Lessor License - Bingo
License Term:
 1 year
License Expiration Date: December 31  
Expected Rental Income for the Upcoming Year: Your License Fee is:
$50,000 to $100,000 $2,510
More than $100,000 $5,010
Commerical Lessor License - Games of Chance
License Term:
 1 year
License Expiration Date: December 31  
Expected Rental Income for the Upcoming Year: Your License Fee is:
$50,000 to $100,000 $2,550
More than $100,000 $5,050

Application Filing Process

File Online

  1. Review requirements and gather all materials.
  2. Click the applicable Apply Online link below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the Apply for a DCWP License page to read requirements and proceed to the next online application.

OR

File In Person
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center

DCWP LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

NYC SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER
90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

By Email: LicensingAppointments@dcwp.nyc.gov
By Phone*: Call (212) 436-0441. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

*This number is to schedule an appointment for in-person service only. For general questions, email onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov.

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.

After You File Your DCWP License Application

After you submit your license application, DCWP will contact you to attend a public hearing to review your license application. If you fail to attend the public hearing, your application will be denied.

Additional Resources for Commercial Lessor

  • For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.

Get Voter Information
Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.