In the News

Study Finds Quarter of NYC Apartments Rented at Preferential Rate

September 22, 2015    

The Independent Budget Office (IBO) recently released a study that found that nearly a quarter of New York City apartments were rented at a preferential rent or at a rate lower than the maximum allowed under law in 2013. Specifically, using apartment registration data from the DHCR, the IBO...

DOB Announces Coming Launch of Technology Enhancements

September 22, 2015    

As part of the Department of Buildings technology enhancements outlined in its Building One City plan, the DOB recently announced a forthcoming online tool named “Inspection Ready.” According to the DOB, this tool will dramatically simplify compliance and reduce wait times when...

City Council Limits Owners' Attempts to Buy Out Rent-Stabilized Tenants

August 26, 2015    

The City Council recently passed three measures meant to protect rent-stabilized tenants from pressure to agree to buyouts or cash payments in return for giving up their apartments. All three measures passed with only one negative vote from Staten Island Republican Councilman Steven Matteo. Here...

City Disputes FEMA's Updated Flood Zones

August 26, 2015    

Two years ago, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a new flood map for the New York City region, one that substantially expanded what’s known as the “100-year floodplain”—areas where there is at least a 1 percent chance of flooding in any given year. The...

Tenant Protection Unit Set to Investigate East Village Owner

August 26, 2015    

State investigators have launched an investigation into an East Village owner who has been accused of intimidating tenants into vacating their rent-regulated units. The state’s Tenant Protection Unit recently served subpoenas as part of an investigation into claims of tenant harassment....

Investigation Leads to Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force’s First Arrests

June 30, 2015    

Faced with a rising number of complaints from tenants, particularly in New York City’s fastest growing neighborhoods, Attorney General Schneiderman, Mayor de Blasio, and Governor Cuomo created a joint Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force in February to investigate and bring enforcement...

State Assembly Approves Stronger Rent Regulations, Tenant Protections

May 26, 2015    

The Democrat-controlled New York State Assembly recently approved legislation to extend and strengthen rent regulations, setting up a battle with the Republican-controlled State Senate. The Assembly’s bill would extend city rent regulations—which expire in June—for another four...

City Agencies Announce Green Housing Program to Help Small Owners

May 26, 2015    

Building on Mayor de Blasio’s “One New York: The Plan for a Strong and Just City,” the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York City Housing Development Corporation recently announced the new Green Housing Preservation Program to assist owners...

Mayor de Blasio Calls for Overhaul of 421-a Tax Benefits

May 26, 2015    

Mayor Bill de Blasio recently proposed a sweeping overhaul of the 421-a tax program to spur a new wave of housing with rent-restricted apartments in New York City. The mayor called for tough new provisions in the 421-a program that will expand requirements citywide, double the amount of rent-...

RGB Votes on Preliminary Rent Increase Guidelines

May 11, 2015    

On May 5, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) held a preliminary vote on rent increases for rent-stabilized apartments. The chair’s proposal passed by five votes, allowing for 0 to 2 percent increases for one-year leases, 0.5 to 3.5 percent for two-year leases, and 10 percent for sublets. This...

De Blasio Calls for Expansion of Tenant Protections

May 11, 2015    

The de Blasio administration has made recent efforts to increase protections for rent-stabilized tenants, including free legal representation for tenants in up to 15 neighborhoods. It’s also launching a new Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force with State Attorney General Eric...

NYC Water Rates Expected to Increase in July

April 24, 2015    

On March 27, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) formally recommended a water rate increase of 3.24 percent to the New York City Water Board. This marks the second consecutive annual increase since Mayor de Blasio took office, but the lowest one in a decade.