New York Rent Increase Rules
At a glance
Notice before a rent increase
New York requires 30 days' written notice for increases under 5%, and 90 days' notice for increases of 5% or more.
The notice must be in writing and state the new rent amount and the effective date. Verbal notice alone is not sufficient. If your landlord raises rent without providing the required 30-day written notice, the increase is not legally effective and you may continue paying your current rent until proper notice is given and the notice period runs.
Limits on how much rent can increase
New York has a rent cap. Annual increases are limited to: NYC: rent stabilization (RGAB guidelines); Good Cause Eviction: 3% or CPI, whichever higher, max 10%.
New York's RPL § 226-c tiered notice is triggered only for rent increases of 5% or more (or non-renewals): 30 days (<1yr tenancy), 60 days (1–2yr), 90 days (2+ yr). Increases under 5% have no statutory notice requirement. NYC rent stabilization applies to pre-1974 buildings with 6+ units, with annual increases set by the Rent Guidelines Board. The Good Cause Eviction Law (2024) limits increases for most NYC tenants not already under stabilization to 3% or CPI, whichever is higher, max 10%. New York does not preempt local rent control.
Rent increases during a fixed-term lease
In New York — as in every U.S. state — a landlord cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease (such as a 12-month lease) unless the lease itself contains a rent escalation clause allowing it. Your rent is locked in for the entire lease term. At renewal, the landlord may propose a new rent amount; you can accept, negotiate, or choose not to renew.
Retaliatory and discriminatory rent increases
Even where no cap exists, landlords in New York cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right — such as complaining to a housing inspector, requesting repairs, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliatory rent increases violate state law and federal fair housing laws. Similarly, a landlord cannot target a rent increase based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or other protected classes.
Common questions about rent increases in New York
Can my New York landlord raise rent mid-lease?
No. Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless the lease itself contains a rent escalation clause. The landlord can propose a new rent only when the lease renews or when you're month-to-month.
What happens if my New York landlord doesn't give proper notice?
If your landlord raises rent without giving 30 days' written notice, the increase is not legally effective. You can continue paying the old amount until proper notice is provided and the notice period expires.
Does New York have rent control?
Yes. New York has rent control or stabilization: NYC: rent stabilization (RGAB guidelines); Good Cause Eviction: 3% or CPI, whichever higher, max 10%. Check with your local housing authority for details.
Is the rent increase notice required to be in writing in New York?
Yes. New York requires written notice of a rent increase. Verbal notice alone is not sufficient. The notice should state the new rent amount and the date it takes effect.