New York City’s new regulation known as the Rent Transparency Act (Intro. 1037) is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The act requires landlords of multi-unit residential buildings with rent-stabilized units to post clear notices in public areas such as building entrances. These notices must indicate whether the building contains rent-stabilized apartments and provide tenants with specific instructions on how to inquire about the nature of the units from the state government, empowering tenants to access crucial information before viewing or signing a lease.
Introduced by Council Member Sandy Nurse, the core principle of the new law is about being “visible and accessible.” According to the regulations, the notices must be prominently displayed for residents and visitors in both English and Spanish, guiding tenants on how to request information from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) to confirm if their unit is protected under rent stabilization laws. The city government highlights that this initiative aims to level the playing field in accessing information and reduce rent disputes arising from lack of knowledge.
As indicated on the city government’s official website, nearly half of New York City’s rental apartments are classified as rent-stabilized units, yet many tenants are unaware of their protected status. Rent-stabilized apartments are typically located in buildings with six or more residential units constructed before 1974, aimed at limiting annual rent increases, offering lease renewal protection, and ensuring the existence of affordable housing in the city in the long term.
The new law enhances transparency and usability of information, making it easier for tenants to protect their rights. Previously, tenants would have to rely on subtle clues, such as non-integer rental amounts or specific terms in the lease agreement, and might only discover their rent stabilization rights after years of occupancy. Starting in 2026, landlords are required to proactively disclose information and educate tenants on how to verify their status, potentially reducing the risk of overpaying rent or having their rights compromised.
The city government also reminds tenants that they can actively request to review the “rental records legally registered for a unit over the past years” from the state’s HCR to ensure compliance with prior rent amounts. If there are suspicions of overcharging, tenants can file a formal complaint or seek assistance by calling 311 and connecting to the tenant helpline. The public can visit the HCR official website at https://portal.hcr.ny.gov/app/ask or contact the HCR’s Rent Administration Office at 833-499-0343 for further assistance.