What Are the NYC Rent Guidelines Board Increases for This Year?

January 10, 2026

Struggling to budget for your NYC apartment with rent hikes looming? The NYC Rent Guidelines Board just dropped their verdict for the 2024-2025 cycle, and it could reshape your lease.

Tip: Want to sanity-check a specific address? Search it on Building Health X to see recent heat/hot water, pests, noise, safety and violations across 30/90 days, 1 year and 3 years.

Discover the approved increases for one- and two-year leases by building type, which apartments qualify (stabilized only!), key decision factors, implementation timelines, and your rights as a tenant or landlord. Will appeals change everything? Dive in to find out.

What is the NYC Rent Guidelines Board?

The NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB), established in 1969 under the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA), is a 9-member panel appointed by the mayor that sets annual rent adjustments for rent-stabilized apartments across New York City. Its legal authority stems from NYC Admin Code 26-510, which mandates fair and reasonable increases based on economic factors. The board oversees rent stabilization in over 44,000 buildings with regulated units.

The RGB structure includes 2 tenant representatives, 2 landlord representatives, and 5 public members, ensuring balanced input on New York City rent increases. Created in response to the 1968 rent strike, it addresses tenant advocacy and landlord costs in NYC housing. Public members often chair the board, guiding decisions on lease renewals for one-year and two-year leases.

Current chair Andrew Berman leads monthly RGB meetings, including public hearings for testimony from tenant unions like Met Council and landlord groups like Rent Stabilization Association (RSA). The board reviews data from the housing vacancy survey, operating cost analysis, and consumer price index (CPI) before proposing guidelines. Final votes set allowable rent increases, impacting stabilized rent for one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.

RGB staff reports analyze utility costs, maintenance costs, property taxes, and wage increases for building superintendents. Meetings follow an RGB calendar with preliminary votes and public sessions for input on rent hikes. Tenants can track the process through rgb.nyc.gov press releases to understand rent guideline ranges and effective dates for lease signings.

2024-2025 Rental Cycle Overview

For the 2024-2025 cycle, the RGB approved increases ranging from 2.75%-7.25% following 9 public meetings and analysis of 12.5% inflation (CPI data). The full process spanned from October 2023 to June 2024, including 9 meetings and 3 public hearings with thousands of testimonies. Staff reports highlighted an 8.1% vacancy rate from the Housing Vacancy Survey 2023.

Tenants and landlords presented input at these public hearings, shaping the final guidelines. The RGB calendar on rgb.nyc.gov outlined all dates, culminating in the final vote on June 17, 2024. This cycle addressed post-COVID adjustments, energy costs, and labor shortages in NYC's rental market.

Rent-stabilized apartments in Brooklyn and Queens saw focused discussions on operating costs. Board members reviewed utility costs, maintenance costs, and property taxes. The process balanced tenant rights with landlord needs under rent stabilization rules.

Practical advice for lease renewals includes checking the RGB website for updates. Tenants should review one-year lease or two-year lease options before September 1, 2024. This ensures awareness of allowable rent increases for stabilized rent in rent-stabilized buildings.

Announcement Date

The RGB announced final 2024-2025 guidelines on June 17, 2024, after a 5-4 vote at their 105th meeting, published via official press release on rgb.nyc.gov. The preliminary range vote occurred on December 5, 2023, proposing 1.25-6.25% for one-year leases. Over 200 attendees joined the final meeting, reflecting high stakes for NYC housing.

These guidelines take effect for leases from September 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. News outlets covered the vote extensively, highlighting tenant advocacy from groups like Met Council and Housing Justice For All. Landlord groups such as Rent Stabilization Association also weighed in on proposed guidelines.

For tenants, this means preparing for rent adjustments during lease renewal. Review your lease terms, preferential rent status, and primary residence rules. Landlords must adhere to the percentage increase for fair market rent compliance.

Actionable steps include attending future RGB meetings or submitting testimony. Check rgb.nyc.gov for the full timeline and staff reports on economic analysis. This helps navigate rent regulation amid inflation adjustments and vacancy rates.

Approved Rent Increases by Building Type

The NYC Rent Guidelines Board approved 3.75% for one-year leases and 7.10% for two-year leases. These 2024 rent increases draw from CPI-U at 3.2% in May 2024, operating costs up 6.8%, and a 1.75% vacancy adjustment. The board referenced RGB Staff Report #1 from January 2024 in their decision.

Rent-stabilized apartments in New York City rent increases apply to about one million units. Landlords can adjust lease renewals within voted ranges after public hearings. Tenants should review their current [rent stabilized](/blog/how-do-i-know-if-my-nyc-apartment-is-rent-stabilized) amount before signing.

The table below compares key details across lease terms.

Lease Term	Approved Increase	Range Voted	Previous Year	Example Monthly Increase (1BR $2,500)
One-Year	3.75%	1.75%-4.75%	3%	$93.75
Two-Year	7.10%	3.75%-7.25%	6%	$148.58 (total)

This rent adjustment reflects factors like utility costs, property taxes, and maintenance. Check the RGB meeting records for full details on the final vote.

One-Year Leases

One-year lease renewals can increase by 3.75% within the original 1.75%-4.75% range. This equals $93.75 per month on a $2,500 rent. The calculation breaks down to base CPI adjustment at 2.2%, operating costs at 1.6%, and vacancy factor at 0.95%.

In Manhattan rents, a $3,200 one-bedroom rises to $3,320. Brooklyn sees $2,800 become $2,907 for similar units. StreetEasy index data shows median stabilized rents varying by borough like Queens and the Bronx.

Tenants in rent-stabilized buildings gain predictable costs for shorter terms. Review your lease renewal notice for the exact allowable rent increase. Outer boroughs often see lower base rents than Harlem apartments.

Experts recommend comparing to previous year hikes from the RGB calendar. This helps track trends in NYC housing costs amid inflation adjustments.

Two-Year Leases

Two-year leases approved for 7.10% total increase within the 3.75%-7.25% range. This averages $3.55 per month or $85.20 per year on a $2,500 base rent. The structure compounds: Year 1 at 3.75%, then Year 2 at 3.25% on the new base.

This exceeds 2023's 3% one-year rate but falls below 2019's 7.75% record. It accounts for post-COVID adjustments like energy costs and labor shortages. Tenant advocacy groups like Met Council offer calculators for personal estimates.

For a $2,500 rent, Year 1 hits $2,593.75, then Year 2 adds about $84.80 more. This provides longer eviction protection under rent stabilization laws. Families in two-bedroom or three-bedroom units benefit from locked rates.

Board members considered operating cost analysis and housing vacancy survey data. The final guidelines balance landlord increases with tenant rights in the NYC rental market.

Buildings Affected

Approximately 983,000 rent-stabilized apartments in more than 44,000 buildings are affected, based on 2023 Housing Vacancy Survey data, representing a key portion of NYC's rental stock. These units fall under NYC Rent Guidelines Board oversight for annual rent increases. Tenants in these buildings face RGB-approved rent hikes during lease renewals.

Coverage spans all boroughs, with higher concentrations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. For example, older walk-up buildings in Harlem or classic six-unit structures in Queens often qualify. Landlords must follow rent stabilization rules for one-year or two-year lease renewals.

Exclusions apply to market-rate buildings, co-ops, condos, and new constructions after 1974 unless covered by 2019 housing laws. Check your building's status via HPD or DOB records to confirm if RGB guidelines impact your rent. This helps tenants understand allowable rent increases and tenant rights.

Practical tip: Review your lease for preferential rent status, which can affect adjustments. If unsure, contact the DHCR stabilization code office for verification before signing a new lease. Borough breakdowns highlight where rent-stabilized apartments cluster, aiding local renters.

Stabilized vs. Unregulated

Rent-stabilized apartments in post-1974 buildings with 6% or higher vacancy rates follow RGB guidelines for increases. Rent-controlled units in pre-1974 buildings for tenants with income under $200,000 use a different formula. Unregulated units, like post-2009 luxury builds, set market rates unless Good Cause Eviction laws apply.

The 2019 HSTPA expanded coverage to triplex lofts and small building SROs, bringing more units under rent regulation. DHCR enforces the stabilization code for compliance. Tenants should verify status to avoid rent overcharge surprises.

Type	Units Affected	Guideline Source	Examples
Rent-Stabilized	Post-1974, 6+ units, low vacancy	RGB annual vote	6-story Manhattan walk-up, Brooklyn garden apartments
Rent-Controlled	Pre-1974, income <$200k	Separate DHCR formula	Bronx pre-war tenements, Queens elderly housing
Unregulated	New luxury, co-ops, market-rate	Free market or Good Cause	Post-2009 Midtown high-rises, Staten Island condos

Use this table to compare your building quickly. For stabilized units, track RGB meetings and public hearings for proposed 2024 rent increases. Unregulated tenants may negotiate directly but lack eviction protection from board caps.

Key Factors in the Decision

The NYC Rent Guidelines Board weighed an 8.1% citywide vacancy rate from the 2023 Housing Vacancy Survey, 12.5% CPI inflation, 6.8% operating cost increase, and landlord claims of $500M pandemic losses against tenant cost-burden data. These elements shaped the RGB economic staff report, which guided board members during public hearings and votes. Tenant advocacy groups like Met Council highlighted rent-burdened households spending over 30% of income on housing.

Six key weighted factors influenced the rent guidelines for rent-stabilized apartments. The board analyzed data on inflation, vacancy rates, and costs to balance landlord increases with tenant rights. This process ensures fair annual rent increases amid NYC's rental market pressures.

CPI-U NY at 3.2% with 40% weight tracks consumer price index for inflation adjustment.
HVS vacancy rate of 8.1% from the Housing Vacancy Survey shows supply in stabilized rent buildings.
Wage Order increase of 11.2% for supers affects building superintendent salaries and labor costs.
Property taxes rose +8.4%, impacting operating expenses for owners in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Utilities increased +15%, driven by energy costs in rent-stabilized buildings across the outer boroughs.
Capital costs cover maintenance and improvements, essential for pandemic recovery in NYC housing.

RGB meetings incorporated testimony from tenant unions and the Rent Stabilization Association. Board chair Andrew Berman reviewed this data for the final vote on 2024-2025 lease guidelines. Tenants in Harlem apartments or Bronx family units can use these insights for lease renewals.

Timeline for Implementation

New rates apply to lease renewals from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, with notices due 90-150 days before lease end. This covers one-year leases running from October 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025. Landlords must follow these dates for rent-stabilized apartments under NYC Rent Guidelines Board rules.

For two-year leases, the timeline shifts to April 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This allows tenants in rent stabilization to choose longer terms with combined increases. Notices for renewal or vacate require 90 days for eviction intents or 120-150 days for renewals, ensuring tenant rights protection.

The HPD enforcement process kicks in if landlords miss deadlines or overcharge. Tenants report issues to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which investigates via RGB guidelines. Sample lease riders clarify terms, like "Rent adjustment per RGB vote for 2024-2025 cycle."

Track your lease end date carefully. Use calendars to mark notice periods, and review RGB calendar for public hearings or updates. This keeps you ahead on NYC rent increases and avoids surprises.

Landlord and Tenant Rights

Landlords must offer lease renewal within NYC Rent Guidelines Board guidelines, facing $0 overcharge penalties up to 3x rent for violations. Tenants hold a right of first refusal and can challenge issues via DHCR within 4 years. This balance shapes rent-stabilized apartments in New York City.

Under Rent Stabilization Code 2523.5 and 2019 reforms, landlords provide 90-day notice for renewals. They face limits on vacancy decontrol and major capital improvements (MCI). Tenants gain protections against unfair rent hikes.

The table below outlines key landlord and tenant rights side-by-side. For example, if a landlord skips notice, tenants can refuse renewal safely. Always review your lease terms during rent adjustment season.

Landlord Rights and Limits	Tenant Rights and Protections
90-day renewal notice required	Refusal of lawful offer is eviction grounds
No vacancy decontrol allowed	Preferential rent protection from 2019 reforms
MCI rent increases limited by RGB	Successor tenancy rights for family
Offer within allowable rent increase	Challenge overcharges via DHCR

Landlords risk penalties for overcharging on two-year lease or one-year lease options. Tenants should document all communications. Seek advice from tenant advocacy groups like Met Council during Rent Guidelines Board cycles.

Appeals and Legal Challenges

Tenants challenge overcharges via DHCR with a free process and a four-year statute of limitations. RGB decisions face Article 78 review in NY Supreme Court within a 30-day window, as seen in the 2017 RSA v. RGB case. These paths help tenants contest unfair New York City rent increases.

The DHCR overcharge complaint lets renters file without a lawyer for rent-stabilized apartments. Landlords must prove compliance with guidelines during public hearings and final votes. Tenants often succeed by showing violations of lease renewal terms or preferential rent rules.

Article 78 court challenges target RGB rent guideline ranges, like the 2022 two percent cap upheld in court. Gothamist reported preliminary 2024 lawsuits questioning the board's operating cost analysis and CPI adjustments. These cases review if decisions followed rent regulation laws.

Class action lawsuits, such as Thornton v. Rent Guidelines, group tenants against systemic overcharges in rent-stabilized buildings. They address issues like illegal rent hikes post-2019 housing bills. Tenants should document rent payments and lease terms for strong claims under emergency tenant protection act rules.

DHCR Overcharge Complaints

File a DHCR overcharge complaint online or by mail for free within four years of the overcharge. Provide lease copies, rent history, and proof of primary residence to challenge rent-stabilized apartment increases. DHCR investigates landlord records from HPD and DOB data.

Common examples include hikes exceeding allowable rent increases for one-year or two-year leases. Tenants win by proving preferential rent was improperly raised after RGB vote dates. The process offers eviction protection during review.

Experts recommend gathering utility costs and maintenance records to counter landlord claims. Success depends on showing violations of stabilization code or Good Cause Eviction laws. Resolutions can lead to rent reductions or refunds.

Article 78 Court Challenges

Launch an Article 78 proceeding in NY Supreme Court within 30 days of the RGB final vote on guidelines. Challenge if the board ignored housing vacancy survey data or tenant testimony from public sessions. The 2017 RSA v. RGB case set a precedent for procedural reviews.

Gothamist covered 2024 preliminary suits against 2024 rent increases, questioning inflation adjustments and labor shortages. Courts examine if RGB meetings followed NYC rent laws. Tenants need legal aid from groups like Met Council or Housing Justice For All.

Practical steps include filing petitions with evidence of arbitrary rent guideline ranges. Precedents like the 2022 cap uphold protect against excessive hikes. Wins can pause implementation for affected rent-stabilized buildings across boroughs.

Class Action Lawsuits

Join or start a class action lawsuit like Thornton v. Rent Guidelines for widespread overcharges in NYC rental market. These target patterns in rent board votes affecting thousands in Brooklyn rents or Queens rents. Tenant unions often lead efforts.

Cases address failures in economic analysis, such as ignoring wage increases or property taxes. Gothamist reporting highlights 2024 actions post-preliminary vote. Certification requires proving common issues under rent control laws.

Tenants contribute by sharing rent payment records and lease signing details. Successes yield refunds and policy changes for future 2025 lease guidelines. Consult attorneys familiar with RSA challenges and RGB calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the NYC Rent Guidelines Board Increases for This Year?

The NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) sets annual rent adjustments for rent-stabilized apartments. For the current year (lease & renewal period of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025), the approved increases are 2.75% to 4.75% for one-year leases and 5.25% to 7.75% for two-year leases on rent-stabilized units. These ranges allow landlords flexibility within the guidelines based on specific factors. Always check the official RGB website for the latest finalized orders, as "this year" refers to the most recent approval.

What factors determine the NYC Rent Guidelines Board increases for this year?

The NYC Rent Guidelines Board increases for this year are determined through public meetings, tenant and landlord testimonies, economic data on operating costs, vacancy rates, and inflation metrics. The board votes on guidelines after analyzing reports from economists and stakeholders. For this year's adjustments on rent-stabilized apartments (October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025), the vote reflected a balance of rising costs for owners and affordability for tenants.

When were the NYC Rent Guidelines Board increases for this year announced?

The NYC Rent Guidelines Board increases for this year were announced following the final vote on June 17, 2024, after a series of public meetings. The guidelines apply to rent-stabilized leases beginning between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Official orders are published shortly after, and tenants should refer to the RGB's schedule for exact implementation dates.

Do the NYC Rent Guidelines Board increases for this year apply to all NYC rentals?

No, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board increases for this year specifically apply only to rent-stabilized apartments, which make up about 1 million units in NYC. Market-rate, rent-controlled, or unregulated apartments are not bound by these guidelines (2.75%-4.75% for one-year, 5.25%-7.75% for two-year leases this year). Confirm your building's status via HPD or the RGB website.

How do I calculate the NYC Rent Guidelines Board increase for my apartment this year?

To calculate the NYC Rent Guidelines Board increase for this year, identify your lease length: add up to 4.75% for one-year or 7.75% for two-year leases on your current stabilized rent (October 1, 2024-September 30, 2025 guidelines). Use the RGB's official calculator or order form, factoring in any preferential rent or prior adjustments. Consult DHCR or a tenant organization for personalized guidance.

Can tenants negotiate below the NYC Rent Guidelines Board increases for this year?

Yes, tenants can negotiate or agree to increases below the NYC Rent Guidelines Board maximums for this year (e.g., under 4.75% for one-year leases), but landlords cannot charge more than the approved ranges for stabilized units. Renewal offers must comply with the guidelines, and tenants have rights to challenge improper hikes through DHCR.