Published on 3/15/2026
If you own or manage a rent-stabilized apartment in New York City, you already know that the city does not make landlord paperwork easy. But if your building was constructed before 1978, there is an additional layer of rules that applies specifically to you, and using the wrong lease form can expose you to disputes, regulatory complaints, or worse.
This post explains what rent stabilization means for lease agreements in NYC, why the pre-1978 distinction matters, and what your lease actually needs to include.
What Is Rent Stabilization in NYC?
Rent stabilization is a form of tenant protection that limits how much a landlord can raise the rent each year, requires landlords to offer lease renewals, and restricts the circumstances under which a landlord can refuse to renew or remove a tenant. It applies to a large share of NYC's rental housing stock, particularly older buildings with six or more units.
The rules governing rent-stabilized apartments come from two main sources: the New York State Rent Stabilization Law and, for New York City specifically, the Rent Stabilization Code administered by the New York City Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). Landlords of rent-stabilized units are required to use leases that comply with both.
Why Pre-1978 Matters
1978 is a meaningful year because buildings prior to 1978 were constructed before the federal government banned lead-based paint in residential housing.
Under federal law, specifically the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, landlords of pre-1978 housing are required to disclose known information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before a tenant signs a lease. This includes providing tenants with an EPA-approved pamphlet, completing a disclosure form, and in some cases allowing an inspection period.
