Free Tool
Can my landlord raise my rent?
Enter your current rent and proposed increase. We'll tell you if it's legal based on NYC rent stabilization rules and Good Cause Eviction protections.
2025–2026 rent increase limits at a glance
NYC Rent Increase Rules: What You Need to Know
Rent Stabilized Apartments
If your apartment is rent stabilized, your landlord can only raise your rent by the amount set by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) each year. For leases beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 (Order #57):
Any increase above these limits on a rent stabilized apartment is illegal. Your landlord cannot charge more regardless of market conditions.
Good Cause Eviction Protections
Even if your apartment is notrent stabilized, New York's Good Cause Eviction law (effective April 2024) may protect you. Under this law, a rent increase is presumptively unreasonable if it exceeds:
Good Cause Eviction applies to most tenants in buildings where the landlord owns more than one residential unit in New York State. It does not apply to owner-occupied buildings with 1-3 units, buildings built after 2009, or units with rent above 345% of Fair Market Rent.
Market Rate Apartments (No Protections)
If your apartment is not rent stabilized and Good Cause Eviction doesn't apply, your landlord can raise your rent by any amount at lease renewal. However, they cannot raise it during the lease term unless your lease specifically allows for it.
Can my landlord raise my rent without a new lease?
No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent in the middle of an active lease unless the lease contains a specific clause allowing it (rare). Rent increases only take effect at lease renewal. If you're month-to-month, your landlord must give you at least 30 days notice (60 days if you've lived there 1+ year, 90 days if 2+ years).
What should I do if my rent increase seems illegal?
- 1.Check if you're rent stabilized — use our rent stabilization checker
- 2.Document everything — keep your lease, renewal offer, and any communication
- 3.Contact DHCR — file a complaint at (718) 739-6400 if rent stabilized
- 4.Contact a tenant rights attorney — many offer free consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord raise my rent $300 dollars?
It depends on your situation. If you're rent stabilized and paying $2,000/month, a $300 increase (15%) far exceeds the legal limit of 3% ($60). If you're market rate with no Good Cause protections, it may be legal at lease renewal. Use the calculator above to check.
Can my landlord raise my rent by $400?
A $400 increase on a typical NYC apartment ($2,000-3,000/month) represents a 13-20% increase. This exceeds rent stabilization limits and likely triggers Good Cause Eviction protections for most tenants. Check your specific situation with the calculator.
How much can my landlord legally raise my rent in NYC?
For rent stabilized apartments: 3% for a 1-year lease, 4.5% for a 2-year lease (2025-2026 rates). For market rate apartments covered by Good Cause Eviction: increases above 10% (or 5% + CPI) are presumptively unreasonable. For unprotected market rate: any amount at lease renewal.
Can my landlord raise my rent during my lease?
No. Your landlord cannot increase rent during an active lease term unless the lease contains a specific escalation clause. Increases only apply at lease renewal.
What is the maximum rent increase in NYC for 2026?
For rent stabilized apartments, the Rent Guidelines Board set the maximum at 3% for 1-year leases and 4.5% for 2-year leases (Order #57, effective through September 30, 2026). There is no hard cap for market rate apartments, but Good Cause Eviction creates a soft cap of ~10%.
Not sure if you're rent stabilized?
Check your building's rent regulation status instantly — it could save you thousands.