New York's notice law is the rule most often missed. Under NY RPL §226-c, a landlord who wants to raise rent more than 5% — or not renew a lease — generally has to give advance written notice, and the required amount of time depends on how long you have lived there.
Educational information about New York City rent rules — not legal advice. Rules change and every situation is different. For your case, consider consulting a licensed attorney or DHCR.
The three notice windows
Count backward from the date the increase is supposed to start. If the written notice arrived later than the window below, the increase may not be able to take effect on that date.
Less than 1 year of tenancy → 30 days written notice.
1 year to less than 2 years → 60 days written notice.
2 years or more → 90 days written notice.
What counts as notice
The statute calls for written notice. A dated letter or email is the usual form. A verbal conversation generally does not satisfy the requirement, and it leaves nothing to point to later.
If notice was short
Under §226-c, when proper notice is not given, the tenant generally may remain at the existing rent until the required notice period has run. Write to the landlord noting the date you received notice and asking to confirm the corrected effective date, and consider getting advice from a licensed attorney.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice is required for a rent increase in NYC?
For an increase greater than 5%: 30 days if you have lived there under a year, 60 days for 1–2 years, and 90 days for 2 or more years, under NY RPL §226-c.
Does the notice rule apply to increases under 5%?
The §226-c notice requirement is triggered by increases greater than 5% or by non-renewal. Smaller increases still generally take effect only at renewal.
Can a rent increase be sent by text or email?
The statute requires written notice; email is generally treated as writing while a verbal conversation is not. Keep the dated message either way.