How much landlord raise rent new york rules allow depends on the type of apartment you rent. There is no single statewide cap. Instead, New York uses three main systems. These are rent stabilization, the Good Cause Eviction law, and notice rules for everyone else.
As a result, two renters on the same block can face very different increases. This matters right now because many leases renew on October 1. If you got a renewal offer this month, you need to know which rules cover you. Understanding how much landlord raise rent new york law permits can help you spot an illegal increase before you sign.
How Much Landlord Raise Rent New York Allows in 2026
The answer to how much landlord raise rent new york law allows starts with your apartment type. About one million New York City apartments are rent stabilized. For these units, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board sets the yearly increase. On June 25, 2026, the Board voted 7-1 to adopt Order #58.
Order #58 sets a 0% increase for both one-year and two-year renewal leases. It covers leases that start between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027. This is the first time the Board has frozen two-year leases too. For example, a stabilized tenant paying $1,800 a month should see a $1,800 renewal offer.
However, the freeze does not cover every renter. Market-rate tenants in covered buildings fall under a different law. In most cases, that law is Good Cause Eviction.
Good Cause Eviction and Other Rent Increase Limits
Governor Hochul signed the Good Cause Eviction law in April 2024. It applies across New York City and in towns that opt in. Opt-in cities include Albany, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, and Ithaca. Under this law, an increase above the “local rent standard” is presumed unreasonable. That means the landlord must justify it, typically by showing higher costs.
The local rent standard equals local inflation plus 5%, capped at 10%. As of May 4, 2026, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) set it at 8.38% for New York City. For opt-in areas outside the city, it is 8.15%. So how much landlord raise rent new york allows under Good Cause is usually about 8%. For example, $2,000 rent could rise to about $2,167.76 in NYC.
Also, some units are exempt from Good Cause. Common exemptions include landlords who own 10 or fewer units, newer buildings, and high-rent “luxury” units. The table below summarizes the main rules.
| Apartment Type | 2026 Increase Limit | Who Sets It |
|---|---|---|
| NYC rent stabilized (leases from Oct 1, 2026) | 0% for 1-year and 2-year leases | NYC Rent Guidelines Board |
| Good Cause, New York City | 8.38% presumed reasonable | HCR |
| Good Cause, opt-in towns outside NYC | 8.15% presumed reasonable | HCR |
| Stabilized units in Nassau, Westchester, Rockland | Set by county rent boards | County Rent Guidelines Boards |
| Unregulated and exempt units | No cap, but notice rules apply | Real Property Law 226-c |
Notice Rules and What to Do Next
Even without a cap, landlords must give advance notice. Under New York Real Property Law Section 226-c, notice is required for increases of 5% or more. The notice period depends on how long you have lived there:
- Less than 1 year: 30 days’ written notice
- 1 to 2 years: 60 days’ written notice
- 2 years or more: 90 days’ written notice
If the landlord gives late notice, the old rent typically stays in place until proper notice runs out. As a result, you may be able to delay a big increase. These notice rules are key to knowing how much landlord raise rent new york law allows when there is no cap.
Next, take these steps. First, check whether your unit is rent stabilized. You can request your rent history from HCR online for free. Second, compare your increase to the 0% or 8.38% limits. Third, respond in writing and keep copies of every notice. Fourth, if something looks wrong, file a complaint with HCR. You can also contact the New York Attorney General or a local legal-aid office.
📨 Get Free Tenant Rights Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Also, do not simply stop paying rent. In most cases, that can put your tenancy at risk. Instead, pay the lawful amount and get advice. NYC renters can call the city’s Tenant Helpline by dialing 311.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a rent freeze in New York City for 2026?
Yes, but only for rent-stabilized apartments. The freeze covers renewal leases starting October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. However, market-rate tenants are not covered by the freeze.
How much landlord raise rent new york allows if I am not rent stabilized?
If Good Cause covers you, increases above 8.38% in NYC are presumed unreasonable. Outside NYC, the opt-in limit is 8.15%. If your unit is exempt, there is typically no cap, but notice rules still apply.
Can my landlord evict me for refusing a large rent increase?
Under Good Cause, a landlord generally cannot evict you for refusing an unreasonable increase. For example, a court may review whether a 12% increase is justified. Check with your court or a local legal-aid office about how much landlord raise rent new york rules allow in your case.
Check Your Rights in Your State
Find out exactly what your state’s law says about your situation — deadlines, deposit rules, and what to do next. Use our free tools to get the full picture.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified tenant rights and landlord-tenant law information:
- HUD (Tenant Rights): hud.gov
- LSC (Free Legal Aid): lsc.gov
- Cornell LII (Landlord-Tenant Law): law.cornell.edu
- State Court Self-Help: Check your state court’s self-help portal for official forms and deadlines
- State Legislature Websites: Verify exact statute language on your state legislature’s .gov site
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Tenant Rights by State
- Eviction Process by State
- Security Deposit Laws by State
- Eviction Timeline Calculator
- Rent Increase Checker
Disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws vary by state, county, and city, and may change without notice. The creators assume no liability for accuracy or completeness. Always verify with your state court, a local legal-aid office, or a qualified tenant attorney for advice specific to your situation.