Index
New York Rent Stabilization Laws
Summary
If you live in a rent-stabilized apartment in NY, your landlord can only increase your rent by a small percentage set annually by the Rent Guidelines Board, and you have the right to renew your lease.
Rights & Rules
- 01.Your rent can only be increased by the specific percentage decided by the Rent Guidelines Board each year (usually between 1% and 3%).
- 02.You have the absolute right to renew your lease for either a 1-year or 2-year term.
- 03.Your landlord cannot evict you just because your lease expires; they must offer a renewal unless they have specific legal grounds (like not paying rent or wanting the apartment for their own immediate family).
- 04.Services (like heat, hot water, and elevator access) must be maintained. If they drop, you can apply for a rent reduction.
Penalties
- 01.If the landlord overcharges you, they can be forced to refund the overcharge plus treble (triple) damages.
- 02.Failure to offer a renewal lease means the tenant's rent cannot be increased until a valid renewal is offered.
Verified Citations
New York Rent Stabilization Code
Source"An owner must offer a tenant in occupancy a renewal lease... at the legal regulated rent permitted for such renewal lease and otherwise on the same terms and conditions as the expiring lease."