Rent hike question for stabilized apartments

jarvis

I just read that the Rent Guidelines Board voted to raise rents for stabilized apartments throughout NYC (though it seems that there is one more vote next month):

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/09/nyregion/09rent.html?ei=5094&en=052e106f0c8f18cd&hp=&ex=1147147200&adxnnl=1&partner=homepage&adxnnlx=1147147851-xUrH4wHlVzqrGbrIbfzGWg

My question: In the case of a city-wide increase like this, is a landlord capable of raising your rent while you still have a lease - or do they need to wait until renewal time?

Thanks!

jml

No, they cannot raise your rent during a lease. Your rent should - with some limited exceptions, I think - stay the same throughout the term of the lease. The guidelines published by the RGB determine how much the landlord can raise your rent at the end of your current lease. They will have to mail you a new lease a certain time period before your current lease expires - I'm not sure of how long exactly. They will offer you a one or two year lease and you can choose which one you want to take.

doctorj

See also recent discussion here:
http://www.brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3200