Rent Increases

DHCR Issues New Operational Bulletin on Individual Apartment Improvements

May 26, 2016    
When you make improvements, such as installing a new refrigerator or replacing flooring, to your rent-regulated apartments, you’re allowed an “Individual Apartment Improvement Rent Increase.” This increase is in addition to vacancy increases allowed by law or the regular annual...
In the News

Manhattan Landlord Charged for Harassing Rent-Protected Tenants to Force Them Out

May 26, 2016    
Recently, Steven Croman, a landlord whose companies had bought up more than 140 Manhattan apartment buildings, turned himself in to the authorities after he was charged with 20 felonies, including grand larceny, criminal tax fraud, falsifying business records, and a scheme to defraud, relating to...
In the News

Cost of NYC Water to Rise 2.1 Percent in July

May 26, 2016    
The New York City Water Board recently unanimously approved a 2.1 percent increase in the city’s water and sewer rates. The increase, the lowest in 16 years, is the third consecutive rate rise since Mayor de Blasio took office in 2014. The new rate takes effect July 1.
Landlord v. Tenant

Landlord v. Tenant: June 2016

May 26, 2016    
Discrimination: Court Revokes Damages Awarded to Disabled Tenant Disabled tenant complained to the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that landlord failed to provide a reasonable accommodation, in violation of the city’s Human Rights Law. Tenant was permanently wheelchair-bound...
Feature

How to Handle a Sublet or Assignment Request from a Deceased Tenant's Estate

May 10, 2016    
A sublet is a rental arrangement in which a tenant rents his or her apartment for a specific period of time to another person, called a subtenant. In a regular sublease agreement, the original tenant keeps the right to return and reoccupy the apartment when the sublease ends. And during the time in...
In the News

RGB Could Freeze One-Year Renewal Leases Again

May 10, 2016    
On May 3, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) voted on preliminary increases for next year for the city’s rent-stabilized apartments. The nine-member board voted 5-4 in favor of increases of 0 percent to 2 percent on one-year leases and 0.5 percent to 3.5 percent on two-year leases signed between...
Landlord v. Tenant

Landlord v. Tenant: Recent Sublet Rulings

May 10, 2016    
Court Dismisses Roommate’s Claim of Illusory Tenancy Landlord sued to evict rent-stabilized tenant for nonprimary residence. Landlord claimed that tenant lived and worked in Switzerland, and that she had sublet the apartment to an occupant without landlord’s permission. The trial court...
Feature

Follow Seven Rules When Sending Nonrenewal Notice for Nonprimary Residence Case

April 22, 2016    
If you’re thinking about evicting a rent-stabilized tenant for nonprimary residence, don’t derail your case before it even starts. Nonprimary residence claims are perhaps the most common type of holdover proceedings brought by New York City owners. Although every case has its own unique...
Rent Increases

RGB Releases 2016 Operating Cost, Affordability, Mortgage Reports

April 22, 2016    
The Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) is mandated by law to establish yearly rent adjustments for rent-stabilized apartments in New York City. The board holds an annual series of public meetings and hearings to consider research from staff and testimony from owners, tenants, advocacy groups, and industry...
Management Basics

File RPIE Statements by June 1

April 22, 2016    
The NYC Department of Finance (DOF) requires certain owners of residential properties to file the Real Property Income & Expense Statement (RPIE) every year. The DOF needs income and expense information each year to value your property accurately.