I called 311 for the first time earlier this week and I was pleasantly surprised that it worked for me. It’s a general-purpose, 24/7 New York City question line for people who need to discuss matters with a human, instead of fucking around with Google for half an hour to retrieve, say, a plain English explanation of how Alternate Side Parking works. The stereotypical 311 caller is peeking out from behind her blinds while speed-dialing about shady looking characters hanging about the block, garbage on the sidewalk or noise disturbances, all of which are legit reasons to call; 311 is often billed as the non-emergency 911. But the kindly operators are at the ready to help answer any NYC question.
I was calling because my apartment building came under new management effective April 20th, along with a notice that my rent was going up $53.20 a month. Although 311 wasn’t able to answer why, they gave me the direct number for the specifically named New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Office of Rent Administration, helpfully adding that the office wouldn’t open until 9 a.m. There someone answered my question right away: owners of a rent-stabilized apartment like mine can’t raise rent during a lease unless it’s provided for in that document. Usually, those reasons are if the owner makes major capital improvements, but even then, the owner must obtain written consent from the tenant or get DHCR approval.
But the sharp fellow I spoke with at the DHCR correctly guessed where the increase was coming from: “Was the previous owner charging you preferential rent?” he asked, referring to the difference between the regulated rent and the actual rent paid, otherwise known as a rent concession. I was unsure. When I got a chance, I checked my lease. Why, that document is a treasure trove of information! For instance, did you know that at least 80% of the hardwood floor in my bedroom is supposed to be covered with rugs or carpeting? I sure didn’t. It also turns out I signed a rider to pay $53.20 less than the legal rent. I do vaguely recall discussing this with the landlord at the signing and I’m still not sure how I was able to swing a sweetheart deal (my charming self? my witty bons mots?). But unfortunately the rider states the concession is not only temporary, it doesn’t apply under successive owners. Hey, it was fun while it lasted.