Rent Stabilization in Rockland County, NY

Last updated: 2026-01-28

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

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

Key Takeaways

  • Coverage: Buildings with 6+ units built before 1974 in ETPA municipalities
  • Rent Increase Cap: Set by Rockland County Rent Guidelines Board (check current guidelines)
  • Just Cause Protection: Yes - protection against eviction except for specific legal reasons
  • Administration: Rockland County Rent Guidelines Board sets annual increases

Overview: Rockland County and New York's Rent Laws

Rockland County, New York, has rent stabilization in certain municipalities that have opted into the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA), administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

Rent stabilization in Rockland County applies to qualifying apartments in buildings with 6+ units built before 1974 in municipalities that have adopted the ETPA. Rockland County has its own Rent Guidelines Board that sets annual rent increase percentages for rent stabilized apartments.

Which Municipalities in Rockland County Are Covered?

Rent stabilization in Rockland County applies only in specific municipalities that have adopted the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA). Coverage is not county-wide.

To determine if your municipality has rent stabilization, you should:

  • Check with your local housing authority or city/town/village government
  • Contact NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) at (718) 739-6400
  • Review your lease for rent stabilization riders or notices

Rent stabilization generally applies to buildings with 6 or more units built between February 1, 1947 and December 31, 1973 in ETPA municipalities.

Rent Guidelines (Rockland County)

The Rockland County Rent Guidelines Board sets annual rent increase percentages for rent stabilized apartments. Guidelines are typically set for leases commencing on or after October 1 each year.

To find the current rent guidelines for Rockland County, contact:

  • NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) at (718) 739-6400
  • Rockland County Rent Guidelines Board
  • Your local housing authority

Rent increases must comply with the guidelines set by the Rent Guidelines Board, and landlords must provide proper notice before increasing rent.

Tenant Rights Under ETPA

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

  • Limits on rent increases, based on guidelines set annually by the Rockland 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.)
  • Rent registration – Landlords must register rents with HCR

How to Check If Your Building Is Covered

To determine whether a building in Rockland County is subject to rent stabilization:

  1. Municipality: Is the property in a municipality that has adopted the ETPA?
  2. Building age: Was it built before 1974?
  3. Number of units: Does the building have six or more units?
  4. Contact HCR: For an authoritative answer, contact HCR directly at (718) 739-6400 or visit hcr.ny.gov

Resources for Rockland 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 Rockland County covered by rent stabilization?

No. Rent stabilization only applies in specific municipalities that have adopted the ETPA. Coverage is not county-wide.

How is Rockland County rent stabilization different from NYC?

While both are governed by NYS HCR, Rockland 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 Rockland County building is rent stabilized?

Contact HCR at (718) 739-6400. Unlike NYC, Rockland 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: