The 2019 rent law changes dramatically altered New York's rental landscape. Understand the current rules.
New York's Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 transformed rent regulation. Both landlords and tenants must understand these changes.
## What Properties Are Covered
### Rent Stabilized Buildings with 6+ units built before 1974: - NYC: Roughly 1 million units - Includes many desirable neighborhoods - Permanent rent regulation (law change)
### Rent Controlled - Pre-1947 tenants only - Dying out as tenants leave - Strictest protections
## Key 2019 Changes
### Eliminated Provisions - High-rent vacancy decontrol: Gone - High-income deregulation: Gone - Vacancy bonuses: Eliminated - Major Capital Improvement (MCI) rent increases: Limited
### Current Rules - Rent increases: Set by Rent Guidelines Board - Succession rights: Maintained - Preferential rent: Now permanent base
## For Tenants
### Know Your Rights - Request rent history - Verify registration status - Challenge illegal increases - Maintain lease renewal rights
### Lease Renewals Landlords must offer renewals: - 90-150 day advance notice - One or two-year term options - Rent Guidelines Board increase only
## For Landlords
### Operating Challenges - Limited rent increase ability - MCI increases now capped - Longer ROI on improvements - Compliance requirements
### Legal Considerations - Buyout offers regulated - Harassment penalties severe - Eviction grounds limited - Proper procedures essential