🏙️ NYC Rent Increase Notice
Rent Stabilized Apartments • RGB Guidelines • HSTPA 2019 Compliant
🏠 Section 1: Property Information
🏢 Section 2: Owner / Managing Agent Information
👤 Section 3: Tenant Information
📋 Section 4: Current Lease Information
ℹ️ Preferential Rent Notice
Under HSTPA 2019, if you charge preferential rent (below the legal regulated rent), the preferential rent is now the base for calculating increases, and the tenant keeps preferential rent for the duration of their tenancy. The legal regulated rent is only used for calculating the maximum allowable rent.
🔄 Section 5: Renewal Lease Terms & RGB Increase
📊 Select Renewal Lease Term & RGB Rate
Choose the lease term offered to the tenant. The RGB rate will be applied automatically.
🧮 Rent Increase Calculation
⚠️ HSTPA 2019 Rent Increase Limits
- RGB Guidelines: Increases are limited to RGB-approved percentages
- MCI Increases: Capped at 2% per year (down from 6%)
- IAI Increases: Limited after HSTPA reforms
- Preferential Rent: Base for increases must be preferential rent, not legal rent
📊 Section 6: Other Rent Adjustments (If Applicable)
If any additional lawful adjustments apply beyond the RGB guideline increase, document them here:
📝 Section 7: Notice Preview
Notice of Rent Increase
Rent Stabilized Apartment • New York City
Date: _______________
To: _________________________
Re: Rent Increase Notice for _________________________
Dear Tenant,
This notice is to inform you of the rent increase for your renewal lease in accordance with the New York City Rent Guidelines Board Order #56 for lease renewals commencing between October 1, 2024 and September 30, .
Current Lease Period: _________________________
Renewal Lease Period: _________________________
Current Legal Regulated Rent: $_________ per month
RGB Guideline Increase (1-Year): _____%
New Legal Regulated Rent: $_________ per month
This rent increase is in compliance with the Rent Stabilization Law and the NYC Rent Guidelines Board guidelines. You have the right to a renewal lease at the terms specified herein.
If you have any questions regarding this notice or your rights under the Rent Stabilization Law, you may contact the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) at (718) 739-6400 or visit hcr.ny.gov.
✍️ Section 8: Owner/Agent Signature
Owner / Managing Agent Certification
I certify that the rent increase specified in this notice is in compliance with the New York City Rent Guidelines Board Order #56 and all applicable rent stabilization laws.
⚖️ Required Notice Timing
This rent increase notice must be provided to the tenant as part of a lease renewal offer. Under Rent Stabilization Law, owners must offer renewal leases 90-150 days before the current lease expires. Tenants have 60 days to accept the renewal offer.
🏙️ Understanding NYC Rent Stabilization & Rent Increases
Rent stabilization is a system of laws that limits how much landlords can increase rent on approximately one million apartments in New York City. Unlike rent control (which covers far fewer units and has stricter limits), rent stabilization allows annual increases based on guidelines set by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB).
Each year, the RGB votes on allowable percentage increases for one-year and two-year lease renewals. These guidelines apply to lease renewals commencing between October 1st and September 30th of the following year. Landlords must use the correct RGB order when calculating rent increases.
🏢 What Buildings Are Covered?
Generally, buildings with 6+ units built before January 1, 1974, where the tenant moved in after June 30, 1971. Some newer buildings receiving tax benefits (421-a, J-51) are also covered.
📊 How Are Rates Determined?
The RGB holds public hearings and reviews data on operating costs, housing supply, and economic conditions before voting on guidelines each June, effective October 1.
🔒 Tenant Protections
Tenants have the right to renewal leases, limited rent increases, and protection from arbitrary eviction. They can choose between 1-year and 2-year renewals.
📋 Owner Obligations
Owners must register apartments with DHCR, offer timely renewal leases (90-150 days before expiration), and follow RGB guidelines for increases.
📊 RGB Rate History (2024)
The following table shows recent Rent Guidelines Board orders and the approved percentage increases for one-year and two-year lease renewals:
| RGB Order | Lease Period | 1-Year Increase | 2-Year Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order #56 | Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2025 | 2.75% | 5.25% |
| Order #55 | Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2024 | 3.0% | 2.75% |
| Order #54 | Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023 | 3.25% | 5.0% |
| Order #53 | Oct 1, 2021 – Sep 30, 2022 | 0% | 0% |
| Order #52 | Oct 1, 2020 – Sep 30, 2021 | 0% | 0% |
| Order #51 | Oct 1, 2019 – Sep 30, 2020 | 1.5% | 2.5% |
Note: Orders #52 and #53 had 0% increases due to COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Always verify current rates at rentguidelinesboard.cityofnewyork.us.
⚖️ HSTPA 2019: Key Changes Affecting Rent Increases
The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (HSTPA) made significant changes to rent stabilization that affect how rent increases are calculated and applied:
Preferential Rent Changes
Before HSTPA, if a landlord charged preferential rent (below the legal regulated rent), they could raise rent to the legal maximum upon lease renewal. Now, preferential rent is the base for calculating increases and remains in effect for the duration of the tenancy. The legal rent can only be charged to a new tenant.
MCI Increases Capped
Major Capital Improvement (MCI) increases are now capped at 2% per year (down from 6%). MCIs can no longer be collected permanently—they expire after 30 years.
IAI Increases Limited
Individual Apartment Improvement (IAI) increases are now limited and can only be collected for 30 years. The total increase is also capped.
Vacancy Decontrol Eliminated
Apartments can no longer be deregulated when they reach the high-rent threshold and become vacant. Once stabilized, apartments generally remain stabilized permanently.
📋 How to Calculate a Rent Stabilized Increase
Follow these steps to calculate the proper rent increase for a rent-stabilized apartment:
- Determine the base rent: If preferential rent applies, use the preferential rent as the base. Otherwise, use the current legal regulated rent.
- Identify the correct RGB order: Use the order number in effect when the renewal lease commences (not when it’s signed).
- Apply the percentage: Multiply the base rent by the RGB percentage for the lease term chosen by the tenant.
- Add any lawful adjustments: Include MCI, fuel cost, or other DHCR-approved adjustments (subject to caps).
- Verify the calculation: Ensure the new rent doesn’t exceed the legal regulated rent plus allowable increases.
⚠️ Common Rent Increase Mistakes
- Using the wrong RGB order for the lease commencement date
- Increasing from legal rent when preferential rent applies
- Exceeding the 2% annual cap on MCI increases
- Failing to register the apartment or rent with DHCR
- Not offering the renewal lease 90-150 days in advance
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When do I use the current RGB rates vs. last year’s rates?
Use the RGB order in effect when the new lease begins, not when it’s signed. If a renewal lease begins October 15, 2024, use Order #56 rates. If it begins September 15, 2024, use Order #55 rates.
Can tenants choose between 1-year and 2-year renewals?
Yes. Under Rent Stabilization Law, tenants have the right to choose either a one-year or two-year renewal lease. Landlords must offer both options on the renewal lease form.
What if the tenant doesn’t respond to the renewal offer?
If a tenant doesn’t respond within 60 days, they’re deemed to have accepted the owner’s offer. However, tenants remain protected by rent stabilization regardless—they cannot be evicted simply for not signing a renewal.
Can I charge more than the RGB allows?
Only if you have approved adjustments from DHCR (such as MCIs or IAIs) or other lawful charges. Charging more than allowed is a rent overcharge, and tenants can file complaints with DHCR to recover excess rent plus penalties.
What’s the difference between legal rent and preferential rent?
Legal regulated rent is the maximum rent that can be charged, registered with DHCR. Preferential rent is a lower amount the landlord agrees to charge. Under HSTPA, if you give preferential rent, it becomes the base for future increases during that tenancy.
Do I need to register this rent increase?
Yes. All rent-stabilized apartments must be registered annually with DHCR, including any rent changes. Failure to register can result in penalties and limits on rent collection.
🔗 Related NYC Landlord Forms
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This NYC Rent Increase Notice form is provided for informational purposes to assist landlords with rent-stabilized apartments. Rent stabilization law is complex and subject to change. RGB rates shown are for the 2024-2025 lease year (Order #56) and should be verified at rentguidelinesboard.cityofnewyork.us. This form does not constitute legal advice. For specific situations, consult with an attorney familiar with NYC rent stabilization law or contact DHCR at (718) 739-6400.
