As housing affordability remains a pressing concern in New York, 2025 brings significant updates to rent increase laws and tenant protections. These changes aim to balance the rights of tenants and landlords, ensuring fair housing practices across the state.
Rent Stabilization and Control: Updated Guidelines
Rent-stabilized apartments, typically in buildings with six or more units built before 1974, are subject to regulations set by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board (RGB). For leases commencing between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, the RGB has approved the following maximum rent increases:
- 2.75% for one-year leases
- 5.25% for two-year leases
These limits aim to provide predictability for tenants while allowing landlords to maintain their properties.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
Landlords must provide written notice before implementing rent increases, with the required notice period depending on the percentage increase:
- 30 days for increases under 5%
- 60 days for increases between 5% and 10%
- 90 days for increases over 10%
These notice periods ensure tenants have adequate time to make informed decisions regarding their housing.
Good Cause Eviction Law: Protections for Market-Rate Tenants
Effective April 20, 2024, the Good Cause Eviction Law extends protections to tenants in unregulated (market-rate) apartments. Under this law:
- Landlords must provide a valid reason for eviction, such as non-payment of rent or violation of lease terms.
- Rent increases are presumed unreasonable if they exceed 10% or 5% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower.
- Tenants can challenge excessive rent increases in court.
These measures aim to prevent unjust evictions and excessive rent hikes, promoting housing stability.
Major and Individual Apartment Improvements: Regulated Increases
Landlords can increase rents for rent-stabilized units through Major Capital Improvements (MCIs) and Individual Apartment Improvements (IAIs), but these increases are subject to strict regulations:
- MCIs: Rent increases for building-wide improvements are capped at 2% annually and are no longer permanent, expiring after 30 years.
- IAIs: Rent increases for individual unit renovations are capped at $30,000 over 15 years. For vacant apartments registered between 2022 and 2024, the cap is $50,000.
These regulations aim to prevent abuse of improvement-related rent increases while allowing landlords to maintain and upgrade their properties.
Financial Assistance and Exemptions
New York offers several programs to assist tenants facing rent increases:
- Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE): These programs freeze rents for eligible seniors and tenants with disabilities in rent-regulated apartments.
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Provides financial assistance to tenants at risk of eviction due to rental arrears.
Tenants can apply for these programs through local housing offices to determine eligibility and receive support.
Fair Housing Act: Ensuring Equal Housing Opportunities
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing-related activities based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, and familial status. Enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), the act ensures equal treatment in renting, buying, and financing homes.
New York State’s Human Rights Law further strengthens these protections, making it illegal to discriminate in housing based on additional factors such as sexual orientation, age, and marital status.
Conclusion
Navigating New York’s rent increase laws in 2025 requires understanding the latest regulations and available protections. Tenants should stay informed about their rights, seek assistance when needed, and utilize available programs to ensure fair and stable housing.
