Over 300 NYC apartments return to rent stabilization after illegal increases

More than 300 apartments across New York City are back under rent stabilization, thanks to a legal victory led by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

After an investigation revealed illegal rent hikes by landlords, including Sentinel Real Estate Corporation, these apartments will now be affordable once again for many families.

The investigation found that Sentinel and other landlords had broken the law by removing apartments from the rent stabilization program, charging tenants higher, market-rate rents.

The Attorney General’s Office worked with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) to restore these units to rent stabilization, protecting tenants from further illegal rent increases.

“Rent-regulated apartments make it possible for countless New York families to find a safe and affordable place to live,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “The previous owners of these buildings broke the law to pad their pockets and denied hardworking families a rightful home. Because we were able to return these units to the rent regulation program, more than 300 families will be able to access the affordable housing they deserve.”

In total, 263 apartments in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens have been returned to rent-stabilized prices, while another 43 units will see rent reductions. Families who previously faced steep rent increases can now stay in their homes at more affordable rates.

This effort is part of a broader initiative to protect and preserve affordable housing across the city. Attorney General James also secured $4 million from the settlement with Sentinel, which will be used for future affordable housing projects throughout New York.