What is a rent-stabilized apartment in NYC?

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A rent-stabilized apartment is a unit where rent increases are regulated by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board. In 2026, approximately one million apartments in New York City are rent-stabilized.

Key characteristics of a rent-stabilized apartment:

Annual rent increases are capped by the RGB — for 2026-2027, the approved increase for one-year leases is set by the Board's annual vote
Tenants have the right to renew their lease
The landlord cannot refuse to renew a lease without legal cause
If you move out, the landlord can increase the rent for the next tenant within regulated limits

How to check if an apartment is rent-stabilized: Look up the address in the NYC Rent Guidelines Board database or request the apartment's rental history from the NY Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR).

Tip: Rent-stabilized apartments are highly sought after in NYC. If you find one, understand your rights — they are significantly stronger than those of market-rate tenants.