How does Rent Control in New York Work?

Rent control is the deliberate practice of keeping the rent of housing units such as apartments low. The aim is to keep the cost of housing low and affordable to all people. This practice is mainly applied in areas where the cost of living is above average. In New York City, the rental cost of apartments in some buildings is regulated. A set of rules has been set up to control this. Based on the tenants’ length of tenancy and the buildings age, the rules determine the amount of rent a tenant pays, how it is increased from time to time and the procedure for carrying out evictions.

Rent control laws postulate the rent amounts to be charged on clients. They also limit the landlords’ ability to hike rent rates and diminish their ability to evict tenants. The rules also regulate succession when a rent-controlled building is being passed down to other family members. The New York City’s rent control rules apply to buildings that were built before 1st February 1947 and where tenants and their successors have occupied them continuously since before 1st July 1971.

The Department of Housing and Community Renewal is responsible for setting the maximum rent increases in New York City on rent-controlled apartments. This is done using the Maximum Base Rent system which establishes the base rent amount for each apartment. This is raised biannually to take care of changes in operating costs. Typically, landlords may also raise rent by obtaining a written permission from the in tenants case of added services or improvement in the apartments. The DHCR may also approve rent increase in case of building-wide improvements or demonstrated hardships.


New York City rent control law only permits landlords to evict tenants for specific reasons. This is beneficial to the tenants as it protects them from undue harassment and exploitation by landlords. Before a tenant is evicted, the landlord must first obtain permission from the DHCR. The only time when a landlord can evict a tenant without having to obtain a DHCR approval is when tenant has failed to pay rent. If it is for other reasons, such as causing damage to the apartment or failing to use it as a primary residence, the landlord must notify the DHCR. This is done by filing a copy of the eviction notice and may need additional approval in some cases. Further, to make an eviction legal, a landlord must obtain a court order.

Rent control is very beneficial to renters. It ensures they pay lower rent rates and that the increase in these rates is controlled. This makes it possible even for low income earners to afford apartments located even at the heart of the city. It also enables professionals like teachers, doctors, firefighters and other important people to live within reasonable distances from their places of work. The rent rates in such strategic places would be too high for most of them without rent control.

The impact of rent control in New York City is significant. It allows tenants to reside in rent controlled apartments cheaply and at peace. They are protected from high charges, evictions and undue increases in rent amounts. Though rent-controlled apartments are rare especially in the affluent areas, they are some of the best apartments to live in. If you live in a rent-controlled apartment and your rights as a tenant have been violated, file a complaint with the Rent Protection Agency.