How to find a rent-stabilized apartment

Rent-stabilized apartments rarely come with a label on the listing, so finding one takes a little detective work. The key is to check the building, because stabilization follows the building, not the listing.

1. Start with the building, not the listing

Most rental listings never mention rent stabilization even when the unit is stabilized. Instead of relying on the ad, look up the address. Find A Crib maps every building in the DHCR rent-stabilized registration files across all five boroughs, so you can check a building's status in seconds — before you tour, and definitely before you sign.

2. Focus your search where stabilized housing is common

Because stabilization generally applies to pre-1974 buildings with six or more units, older mid-size apartment buildings are your best hunting ground. Browse by borough to see where the registered buildings are:

You can also see buildings that have recently advertised a unit for rent.

3. Verify before you sign

Once you have a lead, confirm it:

• Ask the landlord or broker directly whether the unit is rent stabilized, in writing.
• Check that the lease includes a Rent Stabilization Rider.
• After you move in, request the apartment's rent history from DHCR (free) to confirm the registered rent and status. See how to check.

4. Know your rights as a renter

Source-of-income discrimination is illegal in NYC — a landlord cannot refuse you for using a Section 8 or other housing voucher. And once you are in a stabilized unit, you have the right to renew and to capped increases. Learn more in our guide to rent-stabilized tenant rights.

Official sources

• NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR/DHCR) — Rent Regulation
• NYC Rent Guidelines Board — current annual increase orders
• NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)
• Met Council on Housing — tenant help

Find A Crib is an informational tool, not a law firm. This guide is general information about NYC rent stabilization, not legal advice. For your specific situation, contact DHCR or a tenant attorney/legal-aid group.