If you are a renter with stabilized rent, the prospect of the building being sold to a new landlord can be unnerving. Rent stabilization is meant to protect renters, but that doesn’t mean the new owners won’t look for ways to skirt the rules.

Luckily, there are signs to watch out for and ways to protect yourself as a tenant.

In an attempt to maximize profits, a new landlord may look for a way to force rent-stabilized tenants out. Some of the tactics they may take include:

• Monitoring tenants to find out if they are living in their apartment for the 183 days per year required by law
• Cracking down on subletting
• Starting construction projects that become a nuisance and force tenants to move or increase the value of vacant apartments beyond the rent-stabilization threshold
• Conducting “inspections” to see if a tenant’s apartment is cluttered, if they have done alterations, are running a business out of their apartment or discover other potential lease violations

Ways to protect yourself

HMGJ attorney Sam Himmelstein has this to say about potential landlord tactics:

“They may install cameras in hallways looking for evidence that a tenant’s apartment is not their primary residence, or that they are renting out their apartment on Airbnb. They may be looking to evict people if they find vulnerabilities. And they will often serve legal notices and file eviction cases based on the flimsiest evidence, in situations where their claims have no merit, in order to frighten tenants into moving out.”

It is important to be proactive to protect yourself. Some ways for tenants to preempt a landlord from employing unfair tactics include:

• Learn about rent-stabilization and avoid any violations that may lead to eviction.
• Form a tenants’ association, which allows you to voice concerns and dispute issues such as rent increases, tenant harassment or building neglect.

Even if a landlord’s actions are illegal, it can be expensive and cumbersome to defend yourself. Knowing your rights and taking preemptive steps are your best safeguards to maintain stabilized rent. The New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) recently released a comprehensive fact sheet outlining key changes to rent stabilization laws and tenant protections.

Take Action Today

Sam Himmelstein, emphasizes the importance of vigilance: “Landlords may use every tool at their disposal to push tenants out, from invasive surveillance to frivolous lawsuits. Tenants must be proactive in protecting their rights. Knowing the law and having a strong legal advocate can make all the difference.”

Facing landlord harassment or eviction can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to help you defend your rights and maintain your stabilized rent.

We represent tenants throughout all New York boroughs, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Whether you’re dealing with illegal eviction attempts, rent increases, or building neglect, we’re committed to fighting for your rights.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us today for a consultation. Let us help you protect your home and your future.

Call us now to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward securing your rights as a rent-stabilized tenant in New York.

Contact Our NYC Tenant Rights Law Firm For Help Today

If your tenant rights have been violated in New York, we’re here to help. Contact the experienced tenant rights lawyers at Himmelstein Gribben & Joseph LLP today to schedule a free consultation.

We proudly serve New York City, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

Himmelstein Gribben & Joseph LLP
15 Maiden Ln 17th Floor, New York, NY 10038
Phone: (212) 349-3000

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