First, look at your lease. Sometimes it will say the type of housing. If your lease doesn’t say, you will have to do a little investigating.
Rent stabilized
Buildings built before 1974 with six or more units are generally subject to rent stabilization laws. Each individual apartment has a unique history that determines if it is rent stabilized. If you think your apartment may be rent stabilized, request a rent history. Look over your rent history with a housing expert. This kind of housing has a lot of rights and protections.
Can the landlord raise my rent?
Your rent can be increased by a certain percentage every time your lease expires. The increase is determined by the Rent Guidelines Board. Landlords who make major improvements to the building can apply for an increase called an MCI.
I want to leave and my family member wants to stay, can he or she take over the apartment? (Succession Rights)
DHCR Succession Rights Fact sheet
Does the landlord have to renew my lease?
DHCR Lease Renewal Fact sheet
My lease says I have a preferential rent, what does that mean?DHCR Preferential Rents Fact Sheet
My landlord is charging fees for an air conditioner and a washing machine, how much can they charge? How much can they charge for a late fee?DHCR Fees Fact sheet
Rent controlled
Rent controlled apartments have been continuously occupied by the same family since before 1974. Most rent controlled tenants know that they are rent controlled.
Unregulated
Market rate apartments, co-ops and condos, 1-4 family houses and brownstones with less than 6 units, apartments that were deregulated before 2019.
Subsidized
Project based Section 8, HUD subsidized, Mitchell-Lama
Most subsidized apartments have rent based on the tenant’s income. If the tenant’s income goes up or down, the rent can usually be adjusted.
Some people also have section 8 vouchers. Those people may be living in rent regulated or unregulated housing.
New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
also known as Public Housing