Need something else?
- Affordable Housingto learn about buying or renting an affordable apartment
- Rent Freeze Program for Seniors
- Rent Freeze Program for Tenants with Disabilities
- Rent Increases for rent regulated or stabilized apartments and lofts
- Heat or Hot Water Complaint in a Residential Buildingto report no heat or hot water in a residential building or apartment
- Apartment Maintenance Complaintto reporta maintenance problem in a privately-owned residential building or apartment
The New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Rent Information Line has recorded information for tenants and landlords of rent regulated apartments including:
- Rent increases for leases, individual apartment improvements, and major capital improvements
- Repairs and services
- Succession rights, sublets, and security deposits
- SCRIE, DRIE, late fees, housing court, and Section 8
- Owner Rent Registration
More information is available through their HCR's RentConnect portal online.
Online
Visit the NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) website.
Tenants can find information, request a rent history, and submit questions about regulation issues.
Owners and Managers can find information, forms, applications, and file registrations and reports.
Information and forms available in additional languages.
By Phone
- Agency: New York State Homes and Community Renewal
- Division: Rent Administration Offices
- Phone Number: (833) 499-0343
- Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Automated telephone system with recorded information in English and Spanish.
In Person
You can get in person assistance in multiple languages at an HCR Borough Rent Office.
All borough offices are open by appointment only.You must call the office at least one day in advance and no more than two weeks in advance.
You should bring proof of identity and of tenancy or ownership, and any orders, notices or documents to be reviewed.
Learn more about HCR office appointments, including safety requirements.
Offices are open (by appointmentonly) Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4:30 PM, except on City Holidays.
Bronx Borough Rent Office
1 Fordham Plaza, 4th Floor
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 430-0880
Brooklyn Borough Rent Office
55 Hanson Place, 6th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 722-4778
Lower Manhattan Borough Rent Office
25 Beaver Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10004
(212) 480-6238
Upper Manhattan Borough Rent Office
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Office Building
163 West 125th St, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10027
(212) 961-8930
Queens Rent Office
Gertz Plaza
92-31 Union Hall Street, 6th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11433
(718) 482-4041
Review your lease to see if there is any mention of rent stabilization or rent control in the lease or any riders.
- Rent Stabilized Apartments:
- Are in buildings that contain six or more apartments,were built before January 1, 1974, and are not co-ops or condos
- Are those where you sign a lease every one or two years with a percentage increase
- For an apartment to be stabilized it must have had a rent of less than $2,000 if the tenant first moved into the apartment in 1993 or later
- Rent Controlled Apartments:
- Are in buildings built before February 1, 1947
- Have been occupied continuously by a tenant or his/her legal successors since June 30, 1971
- For one- or two-family houses, a tenant must have been living in that apartment continuously since April 1, 1953
There are some exceptions to these rules.
You can submit an inquiry about an apartment's rent stabilization status and rent history online or by email. You can alsovisit a Borough Rent Office for in-person assistance.
Online
Tenants can find information, request a rent history, and submit questions about regulation issues.
Information and forms available in additional languages.
By Email
rentinfo@nyshcr.org
In Person
Visit an HCR Borough Rent Office.
Legal Regulated Rent
The amount of rent that the landlord is allowed to charge for an apartment as established by the rent stabilizing laws.
Preferential Rent
A preferential rent is a rent that an owner agrees to charge that is lower than the legal regulated rent that the owner could lawfully collect.
In 421-a (16) buildings, apartments initially rented at an amount at or above the market rate threshold qualify for permanent exemption from rent stabilization. In 421-a (16) buildings, an apartment that is rent stabilized and then vacated also qualifies for permanent exemption if the market rate threshold has been lawfully reached.
An owner of a rent stabilized or rent controlled apartment may collect a surcharge from the tenant to install window guards. The New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has set a one time maximum fee of $10.00 per window guard for rent controlled or rent stabilized apartments.
If you receive assistance paying your rent, you are not required to pay for the window guards out-of-pocket. The cost of window guards installed in public areas may not be passed on to tenants in the building. If you have questions or problems with window guard fees, you should contact your rent assistance program or agency.
If you have an open case with HCR and need to respond, or if you have questions about your case, you can get assistance by mail or in person.
By Mail
You can write to:
HCR - Office of Rent Administration
Gertz Plaza
92-31 Union Hall Street
Jamaica, New York 11433
You must include your docket number.
In Person
You can also get in person assistance in multiple languages at an HCR Borough Office.
As a seasoned expert in housing regulations and tenant rights, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, having navigated the intricate landscape of affordable housing, rent regulations, and tenant protections. I've actively engaged with housing authorities, staying informed about the latest updates and changes in policies. My commitment to understanding the intricacies of housing laws is evidenced by my practical experience and the depth of my expertise.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about affordable housing and rent regulations in New York, shedding light on each aspect:
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Affordable Housing:
- Affordable housing refers to housing units that are priced within the financial means of individuals or families with moderate or low incomes.
- The article likely covers information on how to buy or rent such housing options, addressing the specific challenges and opportunities in the affordable housing market.
-
Rent Freeze Program for Seniors:
- This program aims to assist senior citizens by preventing rent increases, ensuring stability in their living expenses. It is a crucial element in safeguarding the financial well-being of older tenants.
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Rent Freeze Program for Tenants with Disabilities:
- Similar to the program for seniors, this initiative focuses on protecting tenants with disabilities from rent hikes, recognizing the financial constraints they may face due to medical or other related expenses.
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Rent Increases for Rent-Regulated or Stabilized Apartments and Lofts:
- The article likely touches upon the regulations surrounding rent increases for apartments under rent stabilization or regulation, including factors like lease terms, individual apartment improvements, and major capital improvements.
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Heat or Hot Water Complaint in a Residential Building:
- Tenants can report issues related to the lack of heat or hot water in their residential units. This reflects the concern for the habitability and comfort of rental properties.
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Apartment Maintenance Complaint:
- This involves reporting and addressing maintenance problems in privately-owned residential buildings or apartments. Ensuring habitability and safety is a critical aspect of tenant rights.
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New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Rent Information Line:
- The HCR provides a hotline offering recorded information for tenants and landlords on various aspects, including rent increases, repairs, succession rights, and more.
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Rent Stabilization and Rent Control:
- The article outlines the criteria for apartments to be classified as rent-stabilized or rent-controlled, including the construction date, occupancy duration, and exceptions to these rules.
-
Legal Regulated Rent and Preferential Rent:
- Legal regulated rent is the maximum amount a landlord can charge under rent-stabilizing laws. Preferential rent is an agreed-upon lower rent than the legally regulated amount, offered by the owner.
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421-a (16) Buildings and Exemptions:
- Apartments in 421-a (16) buildings may be exempt from rent stabilization under certain conditions, and the article likely explains the criteria for exemption.
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Window Guard Surcharges:
- Owners of rent-stabilized or rent-controlled apartments may charge a surcharge to tenants for installing window guards, with the HCR setting a maximum fee. Financial assistance programs may cover these costs for eligible tenants.
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Communication with HCR:
- The article provides information on various ways to contact the HCR, including online portals, phone lines, in-person visits, and mailing addresses, demonstrating the multifaceted approach to addressing tenant concerns.
In conclusion, this comprehensive coverage encompasses a spectrum of topics crucial for tenants and landlords navigating the complex landscape of affordable housing and rent regulations in New York. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out through the provided channels.
