Rent Stabilized Lease Renewal Ques. (New York, York: apartments, leases, tenants)

[LES10002]

I live in a rent stabilized apt that was bought by these new investors last summer. Their goal is to kick us out, renovate the apts and rent them out for crazy rent. They also hired a "freelancer" who basically goes around harassing tenants and trying to muscle his way into our apts. My lease expires the end of the month and I don't know if I should sign a one year or two. I'd like to stay here for at least the next two years but the increase will make my rent closer to the 2k mark. I did the math and if I sign a one year now and if the one year renewal next year is 7% than I would break even. But I've heard that during years of inflation the rent stab board usually gives the landlord a higher increase... does anyone have any insight on that?

I looked over my lease renewal and they have attached another document in the back with certain provisions, the first one listed is all mumble jumble. Not sure what they are trying to say. Do I have to sign that? Or is it alright as long as I sign the actual dhcr renewal document?

They also included a "info sheet" which asks for my ss#, weekly pay, and a w9 form. Must I provide all this info?

Thanks in advance!

[UpsonDowns]

Do not fill out the info sheet! They are not entitled to any of that info and if they are shady, they will use it against you.

Do you have a local community group that you can go to for advice? Remember, the rent must be over 2k AND you have to earn over a certain amount for the apt to be removed from stabilization.

I think you can look up the history of rent increases on the DHCR website. Once you have the numbers, you'll have a better sense of whether or not you should sign a two-year lease.

[Carbro]

I recommend signing for two years (and no, don't fill out any forms that you didn't get when you signed your first or subsequent leases). The reason I recommend going for two is that the percentage increases the Rent Guidelines Board passes for next year will almost certainly be considerably higher than the ones for this year's leases. Sooner or later, you'll hit $2,000. It will likely be the same year, regardless of whether you sign for one or two years, but consecutive one-year leases tend to raise rent higher than a two-year lease -- most years. Signing for the longer term usually works out best. Usually.

Meanwhile, for the next two years you still have the security of being a protected tenant. If you sign for one year, you risk losing that status if the RGB approves much higher increases. Who knows? In the interim, maybe the legislature will raise the deregulation threshold.

[drkman]

I think that once your rent crosses over 2,000 per month, you may have to verify your income. The apartment will maintain it's rent stablized status as long as you are a tenant and household income does not exceed 175,000 for 2 consecutive years. Do not ignore a DHCR notice and supply whatever information is required that is coming from the New York State Division of Housing. If you do ignore those official notices, there is a chance that you may lose your lease. Forms coming directly from your management company that is for their own use is not the proper way for them to verify your income. They must follow the proper procedures to deregulate an apartment.

I have attached a link so that you can read about the guidelines for how apartments are deregulated: NYC Rent Guidelines Board

[donnie gatto]

I want to break my lease-signed it as of April--unfortunately--the apt. has mice, a major leak in both bathroom and kitchen where ceiling is falling down--have reported it to Hud--they contacted building mgr--they will do nothing--this has been going on for 6 months--how can I get out???