Rent stabilization?

[Melani3R]

i requested my apartments registration which says my apartment is rent stabalized- and the last tenant paid much less than half of what I pay now. It took six months to get a copy of my lease- and I see it says not rent stabilized. How does this happen?

 

[Zigner]

i requested my apartments registration which says my apartment is rent stabalized- and the last tenant paid much less than half of what I pay now. It took six months to get a copy of my lease- and I see it says not rent stabilized. How does this happen?

What US state?

 

[Melani3R]

State

I live in NYC

 

[Zigner]

i requested my apartments registration which says my apartment is rent stabalized- and the last tenant paid much less than half of what I pay now. It took six months to get a copy of my lease- and I see it says not rent stabilized. How does this happen?

1) What percentage difference is there?
2) Were any renovations done after the prior tenant moved out?

ETA: You already answered #1 (I missed it). It's quite possible that the prior tenant was receiving a preferential rent rate, which would have an effect on things for you.

 

[Melani3R]

.

I'm unsure of the percentage- but it went up from 907 to 2400. It did appear to be renovated, but I wasn't sure what would warrant this much of an increase.

 

[Zigner]

I'm unsure of the percentage- but it went up from 907 to 2400. It did appear to be renovated, but I wasn't sure what would warrant this much of an increase.

It might...

 

[Melani3R]

.

Is there any way I would know if the prior tenant was preferential?

 

[Zigner]

Is there any way I would know if the prior tenant was preferential?

Have you spoken with the landlord? You may also wish to contact the city.

 

[adjusterjack]

Is there any way I would know if the prior tenant was preferential?

Call the people at the Rent Guidelines Board.

http://www1.nyc.gov/site/rentguidelinesboard/index.page

They should be able to help you figure it all out.

 

[Melani3R]

.

I actually just realized that no one before me was paying preferential rent according to the apartments registration. Just says they were paying legal regulated rent. I haven't said anything to my landlord because they are very unfriendly and I'm a little nervous, but curious. Thanks all for your input.

 

[HRZ]

Don't be afraid...do more homework ,,quickly ...polishing the doorknob does not constitute a renovation ..use some aggressive street smarts . for all you know that big contractor actually worked on LLs home in Hamptons but billed it to the NYC address ..take nothing at face value until double confirmed.

I am aware of some super wacky steps to hike rents in rent stabilized situations ...yours smells until proven otherwise .

 

[Melani3R]

Thank you for your input. I consulted with someone (not sure if I'll pursue) but said my apartment is indeed 100% rent stabilized and there was no permit to tear down walls in the apartment (they turned it into a 3 bedroom from a 2 bedroom). I do know the renovations are very cheaply done- once my door (lightest door ever) flew open and busted my wall a bit- the dent honestly feels like cardboard.

 

[HRZ]

Not even sure a conversion from 2 to 3 is "legal" in NYC wo a lot of paperwork and permits....smells worse .