Last month, the council passed a new sign requirement for properties containing rent stabilized units. This update comes just as HPD proposes requirements for new digital signs over select paper postings.
Here’s what you need to know.
New Sign Requirement
The city has amended existing code about requirements for posting serial numbers to add requirements for buildings with at least 1 rent stabilized dwelling unit. Language on the sign should state:
This building contains one or more units that are subject to the Rent Stabilization Law of 1969. To find out if your unit is registered as rent stabilized, contact the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). Owners of such buildings must submit an annual filing to DHCR and provide each tenant with a copy of the information that pertains to their unit. Owners that fail to file may be subject to penalties.
The sign also has to include the following:
- Phone number for DHCR renewal office of rent administration
- Website address where a rent stabilization inquiry can be submitted to DHCR
- Website address where the notice may be obtained in designated citywide languages
Owners would also have to comply with the following:
- Signs would have to provide information about how tenants can submit inquiries to NYS DHCR to find out if their units are rent stabilized.
- Signs would have to be in English and Spanish
- Signs must be placed in the common area at the building entrance
Failing to comply would result in civil penalties.
This law goes int effect 210 days after signing. The law was approved on 5/28, which means the Mayor has 30 days to sign or it will automatically be enacted. 210 days is around 7 months, which puts the effective date around late January of next year.
We’ll likely have clarifying rules from HPD proposed before that time. In the meantime, you can check out official records from the council here, including the full proposed law and summary.
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