Skip to main content
New Yorkยท Answer

What is the difference between rent stabilization and rent control in New York?

Short answer

Rent control sets specific maximum rents on specific units (often based on a base rent set decades ago, with limited annual increases). Rent stabilization caps annual increases by a percentage but does not freeze the rent itself. New York has a statewide rent stabilization framework: Good Cause Eviction, Part HH of 2024 State Budget (only in NYC and municipalities that opt in). Some New York cities (where applicable) have local rent-control or stabilization ordinances that override state default. The two regimes have different exemptions and procedures; check the specific local ordinance before assuming state-default rules apply.

Source: RPL 226-c (HSTPA 2019)


Honest limits

This is an informational answer based on RPL 226-c (HSTPA 2019) as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a New York-licensed attorney.

Related