New York Landlord Compliance Checklist (Rent Stabilization & HSTPA)
Essential compliance checklist for NYC landlords: HSTPA requirements, DHCR registration, RGB increases, IAI/MCI rules, and Housing Court procedures.
NYC rent stabilization laws are extremely complex and tenant-protective, especially post-HSTPA 2019. This checklist covers essential compliance requirements for stabilized units.
DHCR Registration
Annual registration requirement for rent-stabilized units
Register with DHCR by April 1 annually
All rent-stabilized units must register, report legal and preferential rent
Determine rent stabilization status
6+ units built 1947-1974, or J-51/421-a tax benefits. Post-HSTPA: units stay stabilized forever.
Understand preferential rent rules
Preferential rent is permanent base post-HSTPA. Cannot jump to legal rent.
RGB Rent Increases & IAI/MCI
Rent Guideline Board increases and improvement costs
Apply RGB rent increases
Announced June, effective October 1. 2024: 3.25% (1-year) or 5% (2-year). Offer renewal 150-90 days before expiration.
IAI capped at $15k per 15 years
Individual Apartment Improvements: Cost / 168 months. Increase sunsets after 15 years.
MCI increases capped at 6% annually
Major Capital Improvements: file with DHCR, 18-24 month review. Increase sunsets after 30 years.
Security Deposits & Evictions
Deposit limits and Housing Court procedures
Security deposit capped at 1 month rent
Hold in NY bank earning interest. Pay tenant interest annually. Return within 14 days.
Hire attorney for Housing Court
Housing Court very tenant-friendly. DIY landlords typically lose. Attorney $5k-15k.
Pro Tips
- •Register with DHCR by April 1 every year - missing registration = cannot evict or collect increases
- •Document all IAI/MCI with receipts and photos - DHCR audits thoroughly, fraud = triple damages
- •Never jump from preferential to legal rent post-HSTPA - illegal, tenant sues for overcharge refund
- •Hire rent stabilization attorney for evictions - Housing Court tenant-friendly, DIY landlords lose
Related Resources
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