Rent-stabilized apartments in NYC have legal rent caps set annually by the Rent Guidelines Board. Rent-controlled apartments (even rarer) follow a different formula under the Maximum Base Rent system.
Leaseswap cross-references every building address with DHCR records. When a listing claims rent-stabilized status or comes from a verified building, you get instant alerts — giving you a competitive edge in NYC's brutal rental market.
- Coverage:
- Rent stabilization generally applies to buildings built after 1947 and before 1974, plus certain tax benefit buildings. (Source)
- Scale:
- NYC has about 1,006,000 rent-stabilized units and about 16,400 rent-controlled units (2021 NYCHVS). (Source)
- Rent increases:
- Set annually by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board for stabilized units. (Source)
Understanding the Difference
Two types of rent protection exist in NYC. Here's what sets them apart.
Rent-Stabilized
Annual increases set by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board
Generally covers buildings built after 1947 and before 1974, plus certain tax benefit buildings
Renewal rights and eviction protections
About 1,006,000 units citywide (2021 NYCHVS)
Rent-Controlled
Maximum Base Rent (MBR) system limits increases in NYC
Generally applies to buildings constructed before 1947
Essential services and strong eviction protections
About 16,400 units citywide (2021 NYCHVS)
Verification Checklist
Use these steps to verify a unit's status before you apply or sign.
Check rent-stabilized building lists
Confirm the address against the NYC Rent Guidelines Board building lists.
Official sourceConfirm construction period and tax benefits
Rent stabilization generally applies to buildings built after 1947 and before 1974, plus certain tax benefit buildings.
Official sourceRequest rent history from DHCR
Ask for rent history and registration records to confirm legal rent and status.
Official sourceCompare lease terms to stabilization rules
Check renewal language, allowed increases, and required services before signing.
Official sourceFour Ways to Find Protected Units
Rent-stabilized apartments rarely hit the open market. Here's how to track them down.
Use Leaseswap Alerts
Get instant notifications when new rent-stabilized listings are posted. Leaseswap cross-references every listing with DHCR building records.
Set up a free alert →Check Official Building Lists
The NYC Rent Guidelines Board publishes rent-stabilized building lists. Leaseswap automatically checks these lists for you.
Official sourceLook for Pre-1974 Buildings
Rent stabilization generally covers buildings built after 1947 and before 1974. Focus your search on older neighborhoods and pre-war stock.
Official sourceAsk Direct Questions
Before signing, ask landlords directly if the unit is rent-stabilized and request rent history to verify legal rent and status.
Official sourceDocuments to Request
- Rent history and registration records
- Most recent lease rider and renewal terms
- Proof of building tax benefit programs (if applicable)
- Building services and maintenance obligations
Common Pitfalls
- Listings that claim stabilization without registration proof
- Missing lease riders or vague renewal language
- Confusing preferential rent with legal regulated rent
- Assuming pre-war equals stabilized without verification
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