New NYC Law Requires Landlords to Post Rent-Stabilized Unit Notices

The Rent Transparency Act aims to empower tenants and prevent affordable housing deregulation.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm

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A new law in New York City requires building owners with at least one rent-stabilized unit to post a notice informing tenants that the building contains regulated units. The notice must be in English and Spanish, and provide instructions for tenants on how to check if their unit is rent-stabilized.

Why it matters

This law is intended to make it easier for New Yorkers to identify rent-stabilized apartments, which make up over two million of the city's rental units. The goal is to prevent landlords from illegally deregulating affordable housing and overcharging tenants.

The details

The Rent Transparency Act mandates that building owners post a notice in a public, common area of the building. The notice must state that the building contains rent-stabilized units and provide contact information for the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, where tenants can verify if their unit is regulated.

  • The new law went into effect in New York City this week.

The players

Sandy Nurse

The New York City Council Member who sponsored the Rent Transparency Act legislation.

New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR)

The state agency that oversees rent-stabilized housing and where tenants can verify if their unit is registered as rent-stabilized.

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What they’re saying

“The Rent Transparency Act is a simple but powerful way to ensure that more than two million New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized homes know their status and aren't being overcharged.”

— Sandy Nurse, New York City Council Member (Press Release)

What’s next

Building owners who fail to post the required notice may be subject to penalties from the city.

The takeaway

This new law aims to empower New York City renters by making it easier for them to identify and verify if their apartment is rent-stabilized, helping to prevent landlords from illegally deregulating affordable housing units.