On June 25, 2026, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) voted to freeze the rent for one and two year leases for the city’s one million rent-stabilized apartments.
This guide provides an overview of what this most recent vote means for New Yorker tenants, and where to seek support if you live in a rent stabilized apartment and have questions.
What is a rent freeze?
A rent freeze refers to a pause in additional increases to a tenant’s rent. In New York City, these pauses are voted on by the NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB), the body responsible for setting rent adjustments for “for the approximately one million dwelling units subject to the Rent Stabilization Law in New York City.”
When does the rent freeze start?
The rent freeze will go into effect this fall and impact leases that start on or after October 1, 2026, up until September 30, 2027.
Does the NYC rent freeze apply to my apartment?
The rent freeze approved by the RGB only impacts tenants who live in rent stabilized apartments.
How do I know if my apartment is rent-stabilized?
If you are unsure if your apartment is rent-stabilized, you need to contact the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR). You will need to fill out this form and wait approximately 20 business days to get a response. Once you get a response, you can call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline” to get someone to help you understand the documents you just received and whether or not your apartment is rent-stabilized. If your apartment is rent-stabilized, this means there is a legal limit on how much you can be charged for rent.
You can also read our guide on checking the status of your apartment.
What happens if my lease renews before October 1, 2026?
If your lease is renewed before October 1, 2026, the current regulations accepted by the Rent Guidelines Board as of June 2025 will apply. This includes a 3% allowed annual adjustment for one-year leases and a 4.5% allowed adjustment for two-year leases.
Will my rent stay frozen after 2027?
That will depend on future votes. The RGB holds annual meetings and public hearings to consider whether and to what extent they will raise the rent in the city’s rent stabilized apartments.
Any person, regardless of immigration status, is legally entitled to attend these public hearings, and receives 2 minutes to address the Board. By law, the RGB has to have at least one public hearing before their July 1st vote on rent guidelines for the following year. This year, the vote happened on June 25th.
What can I do if my landlord raises my rent anyway?
If you suspect you are being overcharged for rent, you can file a complaint with the NYS Division of Homes and Community Renewal.
What if I don’t live in rent-stabilized housing?
Even if you don’t live in rent stabilized housing, you still have rights as a tenant. You cannot be illegally evicted, locked out, or threatened with ICE enforcement.
For more information on where to get support with general housing issues, see this guide. You can also find additional support for tenants here.
