Rent Stabilization in Queens

Last updated: 2026-01-28

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

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Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Buildings with 6+ units built 1947-1974, or receiving J-51/421-a tax benefits
  • Rent Increase Cap: 2.75% for 1-year leases, 5.25% for 2-year leases (2024-2025 guidelines)
  • Just Cause Protection: Yes - landlords can only evict for specific legal reasons
  • Administration: NYC Rent Guidelines Board sets annual increases; HCR administers

Overview of Rent Stabilization in Queens

In Queens, 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).

Queens has a diverse housing stock with rent stabilized apartments found throughout neighborhoods like Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Flushing, and Jamaica.

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.

Your Rights as a Rent Stabilized Tenant

As a rent stabilized tenant in Queens, 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 Queens 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

How do I know if my Queens apartment is rent stabilized?

Check the NYC Rent Stabilized Building Registry, look for a rent stabilization rider in your lease, or contact HCR at (718) 739-6400. Buildings with 6+ units built between 1947-1974 are typically covered.

Which Queens neighborhoods have the most rent stabilized apartments?

Neighborhoods with older apartment buildings like Astoria, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Rego Park, and Forest Hills have significant numbers of rent stabilized apartments.

What is a preferential rent?

A preferential rent is when your landlord charges less than the legal registered rent. When your lease renews, the landlord can raise the rent up to the legal rent, which may be more than the guideline increase.

Other Areas in New York

Learn about rent stabilization in other areas of New York:

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