New York Rent-Stabilized Tenants Face 0% Rent Increase Starting October 1
New York City’s new rent guidelines for rent-stabilized apartments took effect October 1, setting a 0% rent increase for both one-year and two-year leases that begin or are renewed between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027.
The New York City Rent Guidelines Board approved the 2026-27 guidelines on June 25. The decision affects nearly one million rent-stabilized apartments across the city.
Under the new guidelines, a tenant whose current legal rent is $2,000, for example, cannot have that rent increased to $2,060 solely under the annual rent guideline. The allowable guideline increase for both one-year and two-year leases is 0%.
The new rule does not apply to market-rate apartments that are not rent-stabilized. Tenants whose leases took effect before October 1, 2026, are also not covered by the new 0% guideline for that existing lease.
Under the previous 2025-26 guidelines, rent-stabilized tenants could face a 3% increase for one-year leases and a 4.5% increase for two-year leases. However, when those leases expire and a new lease begins or is renewed on or after October 1, 2026, the new 0% guideline applies.
Tenants can check whether their apartment is rent-stabilized through New York State rent history records or seek assistance through the city’s Tenant Helpline by calling 311.
If a landlord seeks a rent increase above the applicable guideline on a qualifying rent-stabilized lease, tenants are advised to verify the amount before signing. Tenants who believe they are being overcharged can file a rent overcharge complaint with the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
The 0% rent guideline should not be confused with New York City’s SCRIE and DRIE Rent Freeze programs. Those programs provide separate protections for certain eligible senior and disabled tenants and have their own income, age and other eligibility requirements.
The new guideline also does not mean that all market-rate tenants are without legal protections. Depending on the building, rent level and other circumstances, some tenants may be covered by New York’s Good Cause Eviction law.
For rent-stabilized tenants, the key change beginning October 1 is that guideline-based rent increases are set at zero for both one-year and two-year leases during the 2026-27 period. Tenants should nevertheless confirm their apartment’s rent-stabilized status and review any proposed lease terms to ensure the rent complies with applicable rules.
