Rent Stabilization in Manhattan

Last updated: 2026-01-28

A comprehensive guide to rent stabilization protections for Manhattan tenants, including how to verify your building's status and your rights.

Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.

Overview of Rent Stabilization in Manhattan

In Manhattan, many residential rental units are protected by rent stabilization, a system that limits how much landlords can increase rent each year and provides important tenant protections. Rent stabilization is administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

If your building is rent stabilized, you have significant protections including limited rent increases, the right to renew your lease, protection from eviction, and required maintenance of essential services.

Who Is Covered by Rent Stabilization?

Buildings are typically rent stabilized if they:

• Have 6 or more units and were built between 1947 and 1974
• Received J-51 or 421-a tax benefits (even if built after 1974)
• Were decontrolled from rent control but remain in the rent stabilization system

The official list of rent stabilized buildings is maintained by HCR and published by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board.

Rent Increase Limits

For rent stabilized apartments, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board sets the maximum allowable rent increases each year.

Current Rent Guidelines (2024-2025):

• One-year leases: 2.75% increase
• Two-year leases: 5.25% increase

These percentages are applied to your legal regulated rent. Landlords must give you 90-150 days notice before your lease expires if they plan to increase your rent.

Your Rights as a Rent Stabilized Tenant

As a rent stabilized tenant, you have several important rights:

• Right to a lease renewal – Your landlord must offer you a renewal lease
• Protection from eviction – Landlords can only evict for specific reasons
• Required services – Your landlord must maintain heat, hot water, and repairs
• Rent registration – Your landlord must register your rent with HCR annually
• Right to challenge rent overcharges – You can file a complaint with HCR

How to Check If Your Building Is Rent Stabilized

1. Check the official registry – Use RentCheckMe to search the NYC Rent Stabilized Building Registry
2. Look at your lease – Rent stabilized leases must include a rent stabilization rider
3. Check your rent history – Annual rent increase notices indicate rent stabilization
4. Contact HCR – Call (718) 739-6400 or visit hcr.ny.gov

Resources for Manhattan Tenants

• NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) – State agency that administers rent stabilization
• NYC Rent Guidelines Board – Sets annual rent increase percentages
• Rent Stabilized Building Lists – Official registry of rent stabilized buildings
• Met Council on Housing – Tenant rights organization and hotline

Important: This article is a high-level overview and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations change, and individual circumstances vary. For specific questions, contact HCR or a qualified attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions