A rent-stabilized apartment is a type of apartment in New York City that is subject to rent regulations to help insulate rents from market forces and to keep them affordable for tenants. Here are some key points to know about rent-stabilized apartments in NYC:

• Rent stabilization applies generally to apartments in buildings with at least six units that were built before 1974, where an apartment was leased after June 1971. It also applies to newer buildings that receive tax breaks because they have units that rent at below the market rate.

• Rent stabilization sets a maximum legal rent for each apartment, which is based on the unique history of each unit. Every year, the Rent Guidelines Board approves the percentages by which landlords can legally increase rents for stabilized units.

• Rent-stabilized tenants are protected from sharp increases in rent and have the right to renew their leases. Leases may be renewed for a term of one or two years, at the tenant’s choice.

• Tenants are entitled to receive required services, to have their leases renewed, and may not be evicted except on grounds allowed by law. If a tenant’s rights are violated, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) can reduce rents and levy civil penalties against the owner.

• To find out if your apartment is rent-stabilized, you should contact NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the agency which administers the rent laws. You can also get a list of rent-stabilized buildings from the Rent Guidelines Board website.

• Rent control is not the same as rent stabilization in New York City. Rent control measures were established in New York City during the 1920s as eviction cases rose and after new laws were passed to protect tenants from eviction. Rent control applies to buildings constructed before 1947 and before 1974, and apartments removed from rent control.

Overall, rent-stabilized apartments are a crucial component of New York City’s affordable housing stock, and they provide important protections for tenants against sharp rent increases and unfair evictions.