Are Rent-Stabilized Apartments Actually Better Deals Now?

June 23, 2025
With new rules in place, are rent-stabilized units worth it? We break down the math and market trends.

Why rent-stabilized units are the clear FARE Act winners

Almost half of all apartments in New York City are rent stabilized. These landlords legally cannot pass broker fees into rent increases.

According to the 2023 NYC Housing and Vacancy Survey, there are about 960,600 rent stabilized apartments offering pure savings.

What's the current rent increase situation?

For rent-stabilized leases starting October 2024 through September 2025, increases are capped at 2.75% for one-year leases and 5.25% for two-year leases.

Even if your market-rate rent goes up $200/month to offset broker costs, you still save thousands upfront.

How do I find rent-stabilized apartments?

Rent stabilized apartments are most often in buildings with 6 or more units built before 1974.

Look for older buildings in established neighborhoods rather than new luxury developments.

Use the NYC Rent Guidelines Board website to understand your rights once you find one.

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Tristian Brown
SENIOR CONTENT ASSOCIATE
Tristian Brown is a Senior Content Marketing Associate at Apartment List, where he manages high-quality content that helps modern renters find the perfect home. He brings an immense wealth of knowledge to the team, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and European Management from the University of San Diego and EM Strasbourg Business School. Read More

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