Rent Stabilization in Westchester County, NY

Last updated: 2026-01-28

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

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Overview: Westchester County and New York's Rent Laws

Westchester 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 Westchester 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.

Westchester County has its own Rent Guidelines Board that sets annual rent increase percentages for rent stabilized apartments.

Which Municipalities in Westchester County Are Covered?

Rent regulation in Westchester 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 regulation, 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 (Westchester County)

The Westchester 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 Westchester County, contact:

• NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) at (718) 739-6400
• Westchester 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 Westchester County ETPA municipalities typically have:

• Limits on rent increases, based on guidelines set annually by the Westchester 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 Westchester County is subject to rent regulation:

1. Municipality: Is the property in a municipality that has adopted the ETPA?
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)?
4. Contact HCR: For an authoritative answer, contact HCR directly at (718) 739-6400 or visit hcr.ny.gov

Resources for Westchester County Tenants

• NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) – State agency that administers rent regulation
• HCR Office of Rent Administration – Handles rent regulation complaints and questions
• Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board – Sets annual rent adjustments for ETPA tenancies
• Westchester County Government – County government resources

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