Division of Housing & Community Renewal Attorneys in New York
Skillful litigators represent clients in matters concerning rent regulated units
The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is the agency responsible for administering rent stabilization and rent control. An apartment is considered rent controlled if it is in a building constructed before February 1, 1947, and has been continuously occupied by the same tenant—or a qualifying family successor—since before July 1, 1971. An apartment is considered rent stabilized if it is in a building with six or more units built between February 1, 1947, and January 1, 1974, or in a building that receives tax benefits such as 421-a or J-51.
Landlords sometimes attempt to avoid their obligations under these laws and increase profits at the expense of tenants. When this occurs, Goldberg & Lindenberg, P.C. represents tenants before DHCR to assert their rights and pursue proper resolutions. We regularly handle matters including DHCR rent overcharge complaints, failure to offer renewal leases, and other rent regulatory disputes.
Firm handles complaints related to improper evictions and rent hikes
By enacting the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974 and the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, New York has established comprehensive rules governing apartments subject to rent control and rent stabilization. If you have a complaint regarding your rent-regulated apartment that requires action from the DHCR (Division of Housing and Community Renewal), our firm can act on your behalf. Potential cases may involve:
• Unwarranted evictions — We have extensive experience defending tenants against unlawful eviction attempts and stand up for residents who are being wrongfully removed so landlords can increase profits.
• Excessive rent — Even though apartments are rent stabilized or rent controlled, some landlords attempt to overcharge tenants or add unlawful fees. We represent tenants in overcharge proceedings, renewal lease disputes, and enforcement of rent reduction orders.
• Harassment of rent-regulated tenants — Our firm advocates for residents who have been harassed, denied necessary repairs, suffered service reductions, or faced other improper conduct designed to drive them out of their homes.
Attorneys advise on rent increases stemming from Major Capital Improvements
When building owners invest in upgrading their property, New York law allows a limited rent increase for rent-regulated apartments, but only if the work qualifies as a Major Capital Improvement (MCI). Routine repairs, maintenance, or work required to keep a residence habitable do not qualify.
Recent legislation caps MCI-related rent increases at no more than 2% per year, and any approved increase will expire after 30 years. In addition, an MCI must benefit the entire building—such as replacing a boiler, roof, or elevator—and must be reviewed and approved by the DHCR before any increase can be applied.
Contact a New York City lawyer for a free consultation about a DHCR matter
Goldberg & Lindenberg, P.C. represents New Yorkers in proceedings before the state’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal. If you are seeking legal advice regarding a rent-stabilized or rent-controlled apartment, please call 212-921-1600 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our Midtown Manhattan office is easily accessible by mass transit.
