Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York

Is my building rent stabilized?

I pay my landlord in advance and I've never been late on any of my rent. 3 days ago I received a call from her stating that my rent would not increase. However on Saturday, I received a rambled message on my answering machine. Apparently she was apologizing and stated that she had to raise my rent. she then stated that I should refer to the certified letter from her attorney.

When I went to check my mail, I find a zeroxed copy of a letter from her 'attorney's office' stating that my rent would be increased by an additional 100 dollars. This struck me as a rather high increase. The letter further stated that she could do this because my apartment is not rent regulated. It also stated that if I did not agree to the stipulations that I should move out upon the end of my lease which expires in another 10 days.

I was very troubled. Currently I pay 1,000 along with utilities. To make a long story short, I checked online and found out that the building 4 west 121 street in zip code 10027 (ny,ny) was listed as rent stabilized in 2002.

I tried to contact the department of housing but I got the run around. I really need to find out if my apartment is rent stabilized. No where in my lease does it mention it. What should I do?


Asked on 6/22/04, 12:51 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Stephen Loeb Law Office of Stephen R. Loeb

Re: Is my building rent stabilized?

I would need to know more about the situation, but from what you describe, it does not sound like your landlord took proper procedural requirements to raise rent, if I were you, I would pay the previously agreed rent (not the increased amount), and if your landlord challenges it, she has the option of suing you in housing court where she will have to prove that she is entitled to the rent increase.

Should you like to discuss this or any other legal matter, you can call my office to schedule an appointment for a consultation or in the alternative, I can be reached for on-phone low-cost legal consultation at 1-800-275-5336 x0233699.

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Answered on 6/22/04, 7:34 am
richard feldman richard d. feldman

Re: Is my building rent stabilized?

rent regulation is controlled by the DHCR. It is a complex situation but that is the first place that you should consult. you can call me at 516 466 5297

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Answered on 6/22/04, 10:03 am


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