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Rent overcharge complaint (HCR)

To: NYS HCR Office of Rent Administration

Deadline / timing: 6-year statute of limitations from the date of overcharge

How to file →

Your first letter is free. No card, no signup. We will send you to a free preview where you can copy or download.

Tell us what happened

We ask only what we need to write the right letter. About 30 seconds.

Your full name *

Your email (for receipt)

Your phone

Building address *

Apartment number *

Tenancy start date *

Current monthly rent *

Prior rents you know of (with dates if possible) *

List each rent amount and the year/lease term it applied. e.g., "2019: $1,800; 2021: $2,400"

Does the building have J-51 / 421-a / 421-g tax benefits? (if known)

Tax benefits often re-stabilize "deregulated" units. HCR will discover this.

Have you pulled the HCR registration history?

What you suspect happened *

e.g., "Improperly deregulated under J-51"; "Rent jumped $1,000 with no improvements"; "Lost preferential rent in violation of HSTPA"; "Never received a Rent Stabilization Rider."

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What this letter will cite

9 NYCRR § 2526.1 — Overcharge complaints filed with NYS HCR. Look-back is 6 years from filing; treble damages presumed willful unless rebutted.
HSTPA 2019 Part F § 4 — Statute of limitations on rent overcharge claims is 6 years; HCR/court may examine the entire rent history to determine the legal regulated rent.
9 NYCRR § 2522.6 — HCR determines the lawful rent by tracing registrations and lease records. Increases above lawful regulated rent + applicable adjustments are overcharges.
NYS HCR Form RA-89 — Official form to commence an overcharge complaint with HCR Office of Rent Administration.

Tenant Defender is research and self-help. Not legal advice. For complex eviction or harassment cases, contact a NY tenant attorney or Met Council on Housing (311 → tenant rights).