Rent Stabilization in Nassau County, NY

Last updated: 2026-01-28

A comprehensive guide to rent regulation in Nassau County under New York's Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA).

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Buildings with 6+ units built before 1974 in ETPA municipalities
  • Rent Increase Cap: 2% for 1-year leases, 3% for 2-year leases (2025-2026 Nassau County guidelines)
  • Just Cause Protection: Yes - protection against eviction except for specific legal reasons
  • Administration: Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board sets annual increases

Overview: Nassau County and New York's Rent Laws

Nassau County, New York, has both rent control and rent stabilization in certain municipalities that have opted into statewide programs administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

Rent regulation in Nassau County is governed by:

  • Rent Control – For certain pre-1947 buildings in municipalities that have not ended the "postwar rental housing emergency."
  • Rent Stabilization – Under the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA), for qualifying apartments in buildings with 6+ units built before 1974 in municipalities that have adopted the ETPA.

Which Municipalities in Nassau County Are Covered?

The following Nassau County municipalities have adopted rent regulation (rent control and/or rent stabilization under the ETPA):

  • Cities: Glen Cove, Long Beach
  • Town: North Hempstead
  • Villages: Cedarhurst, Floral Park, Flower Hill, Freeport, Great Neck, Great Neck Plaza, Hempstead, Lynbrook, Mineola, Rockville Centre, Russell Gardens, Thomaston, Baxter Estates

Rent regulation does not automatically apply county-wide. It is limited to specific municipalities and to buildings that meet eligibility criteria.

Rent Guidelines (Nassau County)

For leases commencing between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026, the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board approved:

  • 1-year lease: 2% increase
  • 2-year lease: 3% increase

These percentages may change in future guideline orders, so always check the latest information from HCR or the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board.

Tenant Rights Under ETPA

Rent-stabilized tenants in Nassau County ETPA municipalities typically have:

  • Limits on rent increases, based on guidelines set annually by the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board
  • Lease renewal rights for 1- or 2-year terms (tenant's choice)
  • Protection against eviction except on grounds allowed by law
  • The right to receive required services (heat, hot water, etc.)

How to Check If Your Building Is Covered

To determine whether a building in Nassau County is subject to rent regulation:

  1. Municipality: Is the property in one of the cities, towns, or villages listed above?
  2. Building age: Was it built before 1947 (rent control) or before 1974 (rent stabilization)?
  3. Number of units: Does the building have six or more units (for rent stabilization)?

For an authoritative answer, contact HCR directly at (718) 739-6400.

Resources for Nassau County Tenants

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

Is all of Nassau County covered by rent stabilization?

No. Rent regulation only applies in specific municipalities that have adopted the ETPA, including Glen Cove, Long Beach, North Hempstead, and several villages like Great Neck and Hempstead.

How is Nassau County rent stabilization different from NYC?

While both are governed by NYS HCR, Nassau County has its own Rent Guidelines Board that sets different annual rent increase percentages than NYC. The eligible municipalities and building criteria also differ.

How do I find out if my Nassau County building is rent stabilized?

Contact HCR at (718) 739-6400. Unlike NYC, Nassau County does not have a publicly searchable rent stabilized building registry.

Other Areas in New York

Learn about rent stabilization in other areas of New York: