A plain-language guide that shows rent-stabilized tenants how to spot overcharges, gather proof, and file DHCR complaints—step by step.
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Everything you need to identify, document, and challenge illegal rent increases
Learn how to access your official rent history from DHCR and identify red flags in your lease
Step-by-step instructions for using NYC databases to verify landlord renovation claims
Complete walkthrough of DHCR Form RA-89 with documentation checklist and filing tips
Understand RGB limits, IAIs, MCIs, and preferential rents—in plain English, not legalese
"I was paying $2,847/month when the legal rent was $2,639. After reading this guide, I filed my complaint and got back $7,488 plus interest."
— Maria T., Brooklyn
"The flowchart on page 15 alone was worth it. My landlord's 'renovation increase' got rolled back by DHCR—two years of illegal charges."
— Patricia L., Washington Heights
"Finally, someone explaining this in plain English. Currently in the offset process—getting $340/month back until we're even."
— David R., Upper West Side
"This guide walked me through checking the DOB database. No permits, no work. DHCR ruled in my favor in 8 months."
— James K., Astoria
23 pages of actionable information with flowcharts, reference tables, and real-world examples
Rent stabilization laws were enacted to protect tenants in New York City. The law sets the rules on how much rent can rise, when increases are legal, and what rights tenants have to challenge abuse.
And yet, even with these laws being in place since the 1960s, rent overcharges remain one of the most common problems affecting rent-stabilized tenants.
Why? Because landlords know the rules inside and out, and they count on tenants not knowing them at all.
This document exists to flip the script. If you've seen suspicious rent jumps; if your landlord's story doesn't match the numbers on your lease; or if you simply want to know what's real and what's not, read this guide.
At $12, this guide costs less than a single month's overcharge.
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