Getting a rent increase notice is stressful. But depending on your situation, you may have significant protections—or at least negotiating power. This guide covers everything NYC renters need to know about fighting rent increases.
The Most Important Question
Is your apartment rent-stabilized? This determines almost everything about your rights.
If You're Rent-Stabilized: Strong Protections
About 1 million apartments in NYC are rent-stabilized. If you're in one, your landlord can only raise rent by the amounts set by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board each year.
Current Rent Stabilization Limits (2024-2025)
These limits are set annually by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board and apply to lease renewals.
What If Your Landlord Asks for More?
If you're rent-stabilized and your landlord demands more than the legal limit, they are breaking the law. Here's what to do:
- Don't sign the new lease — You have the right to remain under the old rent until resolved
- File a complaint with DHCR — The Division of Housing and Community Renewal handles rent stabilization violations
- Request a rent history — File for your apartment's rent history to verify legal rent
- Consider a housing lawyer — Free legal services available (see below)
Legal Rent vs. What You Pay
Your "legal regulated rent" is documented with DHCR. If you're paying more than this amount, you may be entitled to a refund of overcharges going back up to 6 years.
If You're NOT Rent-Stabilized
In market-rate apartments, landlords can generally raise rent by any amount when your lease ends. However, you still have some protections and options:
Notice Requirements
How Much Notice Must Your Landlord Give?
If your landlord doesn't give proper notice, you may have grounds to delay or challenge the increase.
Negotiation Strategies
Even without legal limits, you have negotiating power. Here's how to push back:
1. Research Market Rates
Look up comparable apartments on StreetEasy and Zillow. If the increase puts you above market rate, use this as evidence.
2. Highlight Your Value as a Tenant
Remind them: you pay on time, don't cause issues, and turnover costs landlords $5,000-10,000+ (cleaning, vacancy, broker fees).
3. Offer a Longer Lease
Landlords value stability. Offer to sign a 2-year lease in exchange for a smaller increase or no increase.
4. Point Out Building Issues
If there are unresolved maintenance issues or violations, use them as leverage. "I'd be happy to pay more for a well-maintained apartment."
5. Propose a Compromise
If they want 10%, counter with 3-5%. Meet in the middle. Show you're reasonable but not a pushover.
Check Your Building's Violations
Use building violations as negotiating leverage. Search your address to see HPD violations and building history.
Search Your BuildingWhen a Rent Increase is Illegal
Some rent increases are illegal regardless of stabilization status:
Illegal Rent Increases
- ✗Retaliation — Raising rent because you complained about conditions or exercised legal rights
- ✗Discrimination — Targeting you based on protected characteristics (race, family status, etc.)
- ✗Mid-lease increases — Your rent cannot be raised during your current lease term unless the lease allows it
- ✗Without proper notice — Failing to give required advance notice (30/60/90 days)
- ✗Above legal limits — For rent-stabilized apartments, any amount over RGB guidelines
Good Cause Eviction Law (2024)
New York State passed the Good Cause Eviction law in 2024, which provides new protections for many market-rate tenants:
What Good Cause Eviction Means for Rent Increases
- Landlords need "good cause" to evict or not renew your lease
- Rent increases over a certain threshold (10% or CPI + 5%) may be challenged as "unreasonable"
- Applies to many buildings not covered by rent stabilization
Note: This law has exemptions (owner-occupied buildings under 10 units, newer construction, etc.). Consult a housing lawyer to see if it applies to you.
Free Legal Help
If you're facing an unfair rent increase, free legal help is available:
Free Resources
- 311 — NYC tenant hotline for housing complaints
- Housing Court Help Center — Free legal assistance for housing court matters
- Met Council on Housing — Tenant rights hotline: (212) 979-0611
- DHCR — File complaints about rent-stabilized apartments: hcr.ny.gov
Step-by-Step: When You Get a Rent Increase Notice
- Don't panic or sign immediately — You have time to respond
- Verify your stabilization status — Check if your building is rent-stabilized
- Check if notice was proper — Did they give 30/60/90 days based on your tenancy?
- Calculate if it's legal — Is it within RGB limits (if stabilized)?
- Research comparables — What are similar apartments renting for?
- Document building issues — Violations and maintenance problems
- Negotiate in writing — Make a counter-offer with your reasoning
- Get legal help if needed — Especially for stabilized units
Sample Negotiation Letter
Dear [Landlord/Management Company],
Thank you for your lease renewal offer. I've been a reliable tenant for [X years], always paying rent on time and maintaining the apartment in excellent condition.
However, the proposed increase of [X%] is above current market rates for comparable apartments in this area. Based on my research, similar units are renting for [amount], and there are also [note any building issues/violations] that haven't been addressed.
I would like to propose a renewal at [your counter-offer], which I believe is fair given current market conditions. I'm also open to signing a [2-year] lease for added stability.
I value living here and hope we can reach a mutually agreeable arrangement.
Best regards,
[Your name]