Getting overcharged by a landlord? Here’s how the Tenant Protection Unit helps rent-stabilized tenants
- The Tenant Protection Unit audits landlords who violate rent-stabilization laws
- The unit investigates large-scale fraud, like building-wide rent overcharges
The TPU investigates landlords who illegally deregulate units, overcharge renters, or otherwise violate the state’s rent-stabilization law.
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Tenants living in New York City’s rent-stabilized apartments are entitled to certain protections, including limits on rent increases and automatic lease renewals. But there are times landlords skirt the rules of rent stabilization.
If your landlord tries to raise your rent more than the legal limit, there are a few things you can do. You can remind them of the law, file a rent overcharge claim with New York State’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), or as a last resort: withhold your rent. And there's another resource rent-stabilized tenants should put on their radar: the Tenant Protection Unit.
TPU, founded in 2012, investigates landlords who violate the city’s rent-stabilization laws. It deals with large-scale fraud, so if you and your neighbors are being overcharged, TPU may be able to help you get results, including the back rent you’re owed.
“We will not allow New Yorkers to be defrauded by an owner’s unlawful scheme targeting unsuspecting rent regulated tenants,” said RuthAnne Visnauskas, the state’s Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner, in a statement.
What can the TPU do for me?
TPU investigates landlords who illegally deregulate units, overcharge renters, or otherwise violate the state’s rent-stabilization law. It can subpoena a landlord’s business records and secure settlements from landlords who violate the law—including refunds for tenants.
Earlier this month, TPU announced that it had fined a landlord more than $400,000 for falsifying business records, overcharging tenants, and failing to register apartments with DHCR on time—as is required by the law. That payout included $10,000 to a tenant for harassment because the landlord tried to evict them—despite the tenant paying the legal rent, according to a spokesperson for the unit.
“The penalties…demonstrate the tenacity of the Tenant Protection Unit and sends a message that the state will not allow fraud, exorbitant rent increases, and harassment to go unpunished,” Visnauskas said in a statement about fines.
You can complain to TPU about problems with a rent-stabilized landlord, such as an overcharge, illegal deregulation, or harassment. The unit also gets referrals from other agencies, like the Attorney General’s office, and elected officials.
But TPU isn’t a one-stop shop. Their investigations can take years, so make sure you’re reaching out to other relevant agencies to get help as well. (FYI: Calling your NYC council member can help you get repairs in your building, if your landlord won’t respond.)
TPU might refer you to another state agency as well. And TPU might not be able to address your problem right away—the unit is staffed by just 25 employees, according to DHCR. That’s the same number of people it had to cover all of NYC in 2018, the Village Voice reported.
How do I reach out?
In 2023, TPU investigated landlords who own more than 30,000 apartments in New York state, according to its annual report. If you want the unit to investigate a landlord, you can reach out by email, call their hotline at 212-872-0788, or submit a referral online.
Complaints are confidential, and TPU can investigate your complaint without naming you, according to a spokesperson for the unit.
