I live in a rented NYC apartment, as a rover sitter, would i be technically "running a business" for "commercial purposes" in my apartment, and therefore violating my nyc lease agreement? Please let me know if I'm using m apartment for commercial purposes
I'm not sure of the exact wording of your lease, but in most areas, running any sort of high-risk business (kennels, child care facilities, etc) out of the home is a violation of both city code and a lease.
If clients would be coming to your home to drop-off boarding clients, daycare dogs, etc., there is a good deal of liability that you assume, and as a result, the property assumes. If a client, for instance, trips on the stairs leading to your apartment, they can sue you or the property. But since the client was only there for a business arrangement with you, your apartment would likely transfer all liability to you. Also, most cities do not allow dogs to boarded in residential buildings that are shared with other tenants (like an apartment building).
If you only provide traveling services (drop-ins, house sitting, walks), then your property itself is not being used for the conduct of business.
The current NYC law is being challenged in the courts and by taking boarding clients you are in violation of the law. But word has it that NYC rarely invokes any fines for violation. But I would be certain you have your landlords approval and carry independent pet care insurance as the Rover insurance doesn't cover sitter liability.