How much can I expect the rent to increase? (Bath: apartments, lease)

[italianyc84]

Never lived in an apartment before until now...been renting in Bensonhurst since late December. The rent is $1375 a month. How much of an increase can I expect when it's time to renew the lease? We have a good relationship with the landlord, we enjoy living here, don't plan on moving anytime soon. I have NO clue how it works...$50, $100, more? Just a roundabout estimate would be great...

[Kefir King]

If your apartment is NOT rent controlled or stabilized and seenms to be in a newly desirable area, look for something around +$100.
Very seat of pants estimate.

If the building has empty apartments, then look to pay less.

[italianyc84]

Thanks, Kefir King...not rent controlled (I wish)...appreciate the estimate.

[italianyc84]

For that matter, when does the landlord let us know what the increase will be? When we sign the new lease? If it's some crazy number and we can't afford it and have to move, I'm wondering when we'd have time to actually find the new place if we sign the lease a few days before the old one is up. Hmmm...(I think I'm over caffeinated today...)

[nightcrawler]

I am in Bath Beach, rents here and in Bensonhurst are not that expensive for today's standards.

Is it a building, private house, how many apartments?

usually 50 bucks if it isn't RS or RC.


Usually you get a new updated lease in the mail 90 days before the increase. In my building before I bought the apartment the rent went up different amounts in the 4 years I was there because it was not RS or RC.

[italianyc84]

I think I found the answer to my second question; apparently a landlord has to send your renewal lease 90-150 days before the lease expirres...

It's a small building, 6 apartments, nightcrawler. Thanks for the info, I'm hoping it won't be more than $50...

[italianyc84]

Hmm. Apparently my building IS on the "rent stablized" list...how is it possible that I didn't know that?

[Kefir King]

Originally Posted by italianyc84

Hmm. Apparently my building IS on the "rent stablized" list...how is it possible that I didn't know that?

One reason and one reason ONLY: your landlord did not want you to know.

But realize that within any particular building, some apartments can be rent controlled, some rent stabilized, and some completely unregulated. There's no such thing as a rent controlled (or stabilized) BUILDING, only rent controlled APARTMENTS.

Dont let the cat out of the bag by saying anything to the landlord, accept any mailing from him...AND SAVE THEM. Here's where you start:
Call DHCR and inquire what your rent should be and what degree of controls, if any, govern your apartment.

Call the NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), the state agency which administers the rent laws (718-739-6400 or 212-961-8930) and ask if the apartment is (or should be) rent stabilized

.


If you are controlled, mark my words, you have been overcharged with every rent payment...and you can get it all back eventually. It takes a LOT of time, but very little work.

Let us know what you find out after your call...we all love a good mystery.

[italianyc84]

Well, I got a very cranky woman on the phone who told me to "read my lease". um, thanks for the lack of help? I said "the website says "call 718 739 6400 and ask if your apartment is rent stablized". Her response was "and after you dialed that number, I'm here to tell you to read your lease". umm...ok.

[barkomatic]

Originally Posted by italianyc84

Well, I got a very cranky woman on the phone who told me to "read my lease". um, thanks for the lack of help? I said "the website says "call 718 739 6400 and ask if your apartment is rent stablized". Her response was "and after you dialed that number, I'm here to tell you to read your lease". umm...ok.

I'd try to call back at a different time and get someone different. Sounds like the typical city worker who can't be bothered to lift a finger from her online shopping.