FREEZE

YOUR RENT

A GUIDE FOR TENANTS

Senior Citizens (62 and over)

and People with Disabilities (18 and over)

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CYN,renoissimmoCroyaM Department of Finance

Dear New Yorkers:

As part of our effort to increase affordable housing in New York City, we have created

this guide to provide all the information you need to know about the NYC Rent Freeze Program,

which includes the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disabled Rent

Increase Exemption (DRIE). This is an important benefit that freezes rent for tenants in

rent-regulated units so that they can stay in their homes, and the City they love without the fear

of being displaced by escalating rents. We are committed to making sure that every eligible

household signs up to take advantage of this program.

In the past few years, we have made many improvements to the application and

admission process to provide greater access to the program and to serve you better. We have

simplified applications, increased our outreach and created a dedicated website to help renters

determine eligibility, calculate their income, and apply. Currently, our Rent Freeze tools are

available in ten languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish,

Russian, Spanish and Urdu.

If you would like more information, have questions about how to apply or would like to

obtain an application, reach out to us online at nyc.gov/rentfreeze, call 311 or visit our Rent

Freeze Walk-In Center at 66 John Street in Lower Manhattan.

Tell your friends and/or family members. Please help us spread the word about this vital

program!

THE C ITY O F N EW YORK

O FFICE OF THE M AYOR

N EW YORK, NY 10007

Table of Contents

Section 2: Qualifications and eligibility

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program

Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program

Ineligible Apartments

Income eligibility requirements

How does the Department of Finance (DOF) calculate my income?

What deductions are allowed in calculating income for the program?

What deductions are not allowed in calculating income for the program?

How do I show income if I do not file taxes?

How DOF determines that my rent is more than 1/3 of my income

Section 3: Freezing Your Rent

How DOF determines frozen rent

Covered increases included in your rent freeze

When is a Major Capital Improvement (MCI) increase paid by SCRIE/DRIE?

When is a Major Capital Improvement (MCI) increase not paid by SCRIE/DRIE?

What types of charges are NOT paid by SCRIE/DRIE?

I pay a rent amount that is less than the legal rent (this is often referred to as

Preferential Rent). Will you freeze my rent at the lower amount?

Section 1: What is the NYC Rent Freeze Program? 1

Section 4: First Time Applicants

Documents to send to DOF

If another household member already has SCRIE or DRIE, can another member

apply for SCRIE?

Can I apply for the program if it is my first lease in my apartment or even if I

didn’t receive a rent increase?

Do I need my landlord’s permission to apply?

Can my landlord refuse to participate in the NYC Rent Increase Exemption

program?

Does the benefit protect me from being evicted?

Section 5: Application Submitted. Now What?

Review process & notifications

How to appeal

When your benefit ends

If it takes a few months for my application to be approved, will my landlord

receive a retroactive credit?

If my landlord is issued a retroactive credit, may I ask for it to be given to me

in a cash payout?

Will I receive a check from DOF if I am approved?

The application asks for a tenant representative, do I need one?

Section 7: Changes during Benefit Period

Moving to another apartment?

How DOF determines your new frozen rent amount in the new apartment

What happens if my rent is increased due to a Major Capital Improvement (MCI)

during my benefit period?

I am currently receiving DRIE and I turned 62. Do I have to transfer to SCRIE?

What happens to my benefit when I die?

Can my family inherit my benefit?

How does a family member apply to receive my benefit?

Can my frozen rent be reduced if there is a decrease in the household income?

What if a surviving household member is eligible for DRIE and not SCRIE?

What happens if I am over the income eligibility for a renewal period?

Glossary of Terms 23

Forms and Applications 25

Contact Information 27

Section 6: Renewing Your Benefit

Renewal application

Required documents to submit with your renewal

What if I do not have a renewal lease?

How do I check the status of my renewal application and benefit?

Will my landlord receive their credit if I forget to renew on time?

Is there a grace period that my landlord must continue to honor my frozen rent?

What if I do not renew my benefit but continue to pay my frozen rent amount

during the six month grace period?

Who can I contact if I do not understand a decision that was made regarding my

application or benefit?

What can I do if I missed the six month deadline to file my renewal application

or any other deadline related to the Rent Freeze Program?

What if I am not able to physically sign the application?

Ineligible Apartments include:

• Public housing units administered by

the New York City Housing Authority

(NYCHA);

• Units that are partially or fully paid by

a Section 8 voucher;

• Non-rent regulated apartments (such

as apartments in private homes and

private cooperative buildings that are

not subject to rent regulation); and

• Sublet apartments (even if the

apartment is rent-regulated).

Income eligibility requirements:

• When combined, the household

income must be $50,000 or less.

• You must report income for yourself

and for all members of your

household, including all family

members who lived in your

apartment the calendar year before

submitting your application:

• For example, if you apply in

2017, you are required to submit

income documentation for

calendar year 2016.

• If you rent a bedroom to a

boarder, you do not need to

include his/her income. However,

you must report the monthly

amount you receive from rent as

income.

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program, you must:

• Be at least 62 years old;

• Be the Head of Household as the primary tenant named on the lease/rent order or have

been granted succession rights in a rent controlled, rent stabilized or a rent regulated hotel

apartment;

• Have a combined household income for all members of the household that is $50,000 or

less; and

• Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent.

SCRIE Applicants living in a Housing Development (HDFC) or Mitchell-Lama apartments must

contact the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development (HPD) to apply for SCRIE.

For applications and more information, please call 212-863-8494 or visit nyc.gov/hpd.

Disability rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old;

• Be named on the lease or the rent order or have been granted succession rights in a rent

controlled, rent stabilized, or rent regulated hotel apartment or an apartment located in a

building where the mortgage was federally insured under Section 213 of the National

Housing Act, owned by a Mitchell-Lama development, Limited Dividend housing company,

Redevelopment Company or Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) incorporated

under New York State's Private Housing Finance Law;

• Have a combined household income that is $50,000 or less;

• Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent; and

• You must have been awarded one of the following:

• Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

• Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI);

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension or disability compensation;

• Disability-related Medicaid if the applicant has received either SSI or SSDI in the past; or

• United States Postal Service (USPS) disability pension or disability compensation.

In 1970, the City of New York began the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption

(SCRIE) program, offering qualifying senior citizens an exemption from future

rent increases. In 2005, it was expanded to include qualifying tenants with

disabilities under the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program.

Together, SCRIE and DRIE are known as the NYC Rent Freeze Program. This

program helps eligible senior citizens (aged 62 and over) and tenants with

qualifying disabilities (aged 18 and over) stay in affordable housing by freezing

their rent. Under this program, a property tax credit covers the difference

between the actual rent amount and what you (the tenant) are responsible for

paying at the frozen rate.

At the NYC Department of Finance, our goal is to make sure you understand the

program and receive the benefits you are entitled to. If you are a senior citizen or

a disabled tenant, this guide will provide you with all of the necessary

information you need including: Eligibility requirements, the application process,

benefits, renewals, and answers to frequently asked questions.

what is the

NYC Rent Freeze Program?

SECTION 1

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 1

Ineligible Apartments include:

• Public housing units administered by

the New York City Housing Authority

(NYCHA);

• Units that are partially or fully paid by

a Section 8 voucher;

• Non-rent regulated apartments (such

as apartments in private homes and

private cooperative buildings that are

not subject to rent regulation); and

• Sublet apartments (even if the

apartment is rent-regulated).

Income eligibility requirements:

• When combined, the household

income must be $50,000 or less.

• You must report income for yourself

and for all members of your

household, including all family

members who lived in your

apartment the calendar year before

submitting your application:

• For example, if you apply in

2017, you are required to submit

income documentation for

calendar year 2016.

• If you rent a bedroom to a

boarder, you do not need to

include his/her income. However,

you must report the monthly

amount you receive from rent as

income.

Qualifications and eligibility

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program, you must:

• Be at least 62 years old;

• Be the Head of Household as the primary tenant named on the lease/rent order or have

been granted succession rights in a rent controlled, rent stabilized or a rent regulated hotel

apartment;

• Have a combined household income for all members of the household that is $50,000 or

less; and

• Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent.

SCRIE Applicants living in a Housing Development (HDFC) or Mitchell-Lama apartments must

contact the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development (HPD) to apply for SCRIE.

For applications and more information, please call 212-863-8494 or visit nyc.gov/hpd.

Disability rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old;

• Be named on the lease or the rent order or have been granted succession rights in a rent

controlled, rent stabilized, or rent regulated hotel apartment or an apartment located in a

building where the mortgage was federally insured under Section 213 of the National

Housing Act, owned by a Mitchell-Lama development, Limited Dividend housing company,

Redevelopment Company or Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) incorporated

under New York State's Private Housing Finance Law;

• Have a combined household income that is $50,000 or less;

• Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent; and

• You must have been awarded one of the following:

• Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

• Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI);

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension or disability compensation;

• Disability-related Medicaid if the applicant has received either SSI or SSDI in the past; or

• United States Postal Service (USPS) disability pension or disability compensation.

SECTION 2

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 2

Although a

household may

qualify for both

programs, the

law does not

permit a

household to

have both SCRIE

and DRIE at the

same time.

Ineligible Apartments include:

• Public housing units administered by

the New York City Housing Authority

(NYCHA);

• Units that are partially or fully paid by

a Section 8 voucher;

• Non-rent regulated apartments (such

as apartments in private homes and

private cooperative buildings that are

not subject to rent regulation); and

• Sublet apartments (even if the

apartment is rent-regulated).

Income eligibility requirements:

• When combined, the household

income must be $50,000 or less.

• You must report income for yourself

and for all members of your

household, including all family

members who lived in your

apartment the calendar year before

submitting your application:

• For example, if you apply in

2017, you are required to submit

income documentation for

calendar year 2016.

• If you rent a bedroom to a

boarder, you do not need to

include his/her income. However,

you must report the monthly

amount you receive from rent as

income.

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program, you must:

• Be at least 62 years old;

• Be the Head of Household as the primary tenant named on the lease/rent order or have

been granted succession rights in a rent controlled, rent stabilized or a rent regulated hotel

apartment;

• Have a combined household income for all members of the household that is $50,000 or

less; and

• Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent.

SCRIE Applicants living in a Housing Development (HDFC) or Mitchell-Lama apartments must

contact the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development (HPD) to apply for SCRIE.

For applications and more information, please call 212-863-8494 or visit nyc.gov/hpd.

Disability rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old;

• Be named on the lease or the rent order or have been granted succession rights in a rent

controlled, rent stabilized, or rent regulated hotel apartment or an apartment located in a

building where the mortgage was federally insured under Section 213 of the National

Housing Act, owned by a Mitchell-Lama development, Limited Dividend housing company,

Redevelopment Company or Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) incorporated

under New York State's Private Housing Finance Law;

• Have a combined household income that is $50,000 or less;

• Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent; and

• You must have been awarded one of the following:

• Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

• Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI);

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension or disability compensation;

• Disability-related Medicaid if the applicant has received either SSI or SSDI in the past; or

• United States Postal Service (USPS) disability pension or disability compensation.

SECTION 2: QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 3

HOW DOES DOF CALCULATE MY INCOME?

In order to calculate income to determine eligibility, all sources of income

are included. SCRIE and DRIE use taxable and non-taxable income to

determine eligibility according to legislation governing both programs.

However, gifts and inheritances are NOT included as income.

WHAT DEDUCTIONS ARE ALLOWED IN CALCULATING

INCOME FOR THE PROGRAM?

• Federal, State and Local taxes; and

• Social Security taxes.

WHAT DEDUCTIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CALCULATING

INCOME FOR THE PROGRAM?

• Medical expenses;

• Medicare premiums; and

• Capital or business losses.

HOW DO I SHOW INCOME IF I DO NOT FILE TAXES?

You are not required to file taxes to qualify for any of the NYC Rent

Increase Exemption Programs. However, you must submit any

documentation you have that shows how you and your household

members receive income, such as Social Security form SSA-1099, annual

pension statement, IRA/Annuity end of year earnings statement, W2, or

any other form 1099 statements for the requested income year.

If you receive financial assistance from family or friends, please submit a

letter from the individual(s) providing support detailing the amount

received in the prior calendar year.

Ineligible Apartments include:

• Public housing units administered by

the New York City Housing Authority

(NYCHA);

• Units that are partially or fully paid by

a Section 8 voucher;

• Non-rent regulated apartments (such

as apartments in private homes and

private cooperative buildings that are

not subject to rent regulation); and

• Sublet apartments (even if the

apartment is rent-regulated).

Income eligibility requirements:

• When combined, the household

income must be $50,000 or less.

• You must report income for yourself

and for all members of your

household, including all family

members who lived in your

apartment the calendar year before

submitting your application:

• For example, if you apply in

2017, you are required to submit

income documentation for

calendar year 2016.

• If you rent a bedroom to a

boarder, you do not need to

include his/her income. However,

you must report the monthly

amount you receive from rent as

income.

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program, you must:

• Be at least 62 years old;

• Be the Head of Household as the primary tenant named on the lease/rent order or have

been granted succession rights in a rent controlled, rent stabilized or a rent regulated hotel

apartment;

• Have a combined household income for all members of the household that is $50,000 or

less; and

• Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent.

SCRIE Applicants living in a Housing Development (HDFC) or Mitchell-Lama apartments must

contact the Department of Housing, Preservation and Development (HPD) to apply for SCRIE.

For applications and more information, please call 212-863-8494 or visit nyc.gov/hpd.

Disability rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old;

• Be named on the lease or the rent order or have been granted succession rights in a rent

controlled, rent stabilized, or rent regulated hotel apartment or an apartment located in a

building where the mortgage was federally insured under Section 213 of the National

Housing Act, owned by a Mitchell-Lama development, Limited Dividend housing company,

Redevelopment Company or Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) incorporated

under New York State's Private Housing Finance Law;

• Have a combined household income that is $50,000 or less;

• Spend more than one-third of your monthly household income on rent; and

• You must have been awarded one of the following:

• Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

• Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI);

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension or disability compensation;

• Disability-related Medicaid if the applicant has received either SSI or SSDI in the past; or

• United States Postal Service (USPS) disability pension or disability compensation.

SECTION 2: QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 4

DOF THEN COMPARES YOUR 1/3 MONTHLY INCOME

TO YOUR MONTHLY RENT

You are eligible, if

your current rent is

greater than

You are NOT eligible,

if your current rent is

less than or equal to

per month

$1,250

STEP

DOF CALCULATES WHAT 1/3 OF YOUR MONTHLY INCOME IS

If DOF calculates

your annual

household income

to be

1 $45,000

Then your monthly

household income

is $45,000 divided

by 12 months or

$3,750

STEP

One-third of

your monthly

income is $3,750

divided by 3 or

$1,250

IF YOUR Annual Household

Income IS

Then Your Monthly

Household Income IS

To Qualify, Your Current monthly

rent must be greater than

$15,000.00

$20,000.00

$25,000.00

$30,000.00

$35,000.00

$40,000.00

$50,000.00

$1,250.00 $416.67

$1,666.67 $555.56

$2,083.33 $694.44

$2,500.00 $833.33

$2,916.67 $972.22

$3,333.33 $1,111.11

$4,166.67 $1,388.89

How DOF determines that my rent is more than 1/3 of my income

More examples based on different annual household income

SECTION 2: QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 5

$700

MONTH

Your current rent is

$650

MONTH

$650

month

If 1/3 of your monthly

income is less than $650

(your previous rent)

Then your frozen rent

amount will be

If 1/3 of your monthly

income is more than $650

(say $675)

Then your frozen rent

amount will be $675

$675

month

Refer to the chart on page 5 to calculate 1/3 of your monthly income.

Your prior

rent was

How DOF determines frozen

rent

DOF will freeze your rent at

either your prior rent amount

or at 1/3 of your monthly

income, whichever is greater.

The following example helps to

explain how that determination

is made.

Freezing

your rent

SECTION 3

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 6

Covered increases included in your rent freeze

The following example helps to explain covered increases, although there may be

some exceptions.

Rent Stabilized Apartments

• Lease renewal increases;

• Major Capital Improvement (MCI) increases that compensate the owner for

the cost of building-wide renovations such as a new roof or boiler; and

• Increases approved to compensate a landlord who demonstrates that his/her

rental income fails to offset unavoidable expenses (Hardship Orders).

Rent Controlled Apartments

• Maximum collectible rent (MCR) increases;

• Fuel Cost Adjustments (FCA) to compensate a landlord for fuel increases;

• Major Capital Improvement (MCI) increases that compensate the owner for

the cost of building-wide renovations such as a new roof or boiler; and

• Increases approved to compensate a landlord who demonstrates that his/her

rental income fails to offset unavoidable expenses (Hardship Orders).

Rent Regulated Hotel Units

• Rent demand renewal increases or lease renewal increases;

• Major Capital Improvement (MCI) increases that compensate the owner for

the cost of building-wide renovations such as a new roof or boiler; and

• Increases approved to compensate a landlord who demonstrates that his/her

rental income fails to offset unavoidable expenses (Hardship Orders).

Mitchell-Lama, Limited Dividend, Redevelopment, Section 213 cooperative, or HDFC

cooperative apartments

• Increases in base rent/carrying charges;

• Temporary utility/fuel surcharges; and

• Capital assessments.

SECTION 3: FREEZING YOUR RENT

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 7

WHEN IS A MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT (MCI) INCREASE PAID

BY SCRIE/DRIE?

If the MCI is issued within 90 days of the SCRIE/DRIE initial application receipt

date, it is covered by SCRIE/DRIE.

WHEN IS A MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT (MCI) INCREASE NOT

PAID BY SCRIE/DRIE?

If the MCI is not issued within 90 days of the date of your initial application then

it is not covered by SCRIE/DRIE.

WHAT TYPES OF CHARGES ARE NOT PAID BY SCRIE/DRIE?

• Services such as a doorman, maid or janitor, air conditioning or intercom;

• New equipment, furniture or other furnishings in your unit,

or electrical enhancements;

• Additions, modifications or other individual apartment improvements

(IAI) including any extra charges for additional space;

• Security deposits;

• Rental charges for garages and other facilities; and

• Utility costs (gas, electric, cable, etc.).

I PAY A RENT AMOUNT THAT IS LESS THAN THE LEGAL RENT (THIS

IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS PREFERENTIAL RENT). WILL YOU

FREEZE MY RENT AT THE LOWER AMOUNT?

We generally freeze rent at the legal rent amount. However, there are some

exceptions in the following scenarios:

• When a lease is accompanied by a preferential lease rider that explicitly

states that the lower rent will remain for the lifetime of the applicant's

tenancy; and

• For tenants that live in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units and

provide a LIHTC rent rider.

SECTION 3: FREEZING YOUR RENT

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 8

SECTION 4

First time Applicants

Documents to send to DOF

Use the chart to help organize the various documents you will need to send to DOF along with

your completed application. NEVER send your originals, just copies. Refer to the “Forms and

Contact Information” page for details of where to submit your application and information.

Proof of age -

SEND A COPY OF ANY ONE OF THESE

Baptismal record Birth certificate

U.S. Passport Driver’s License

Non-Driver’s Identification Other federal, state or local document with date-of-birth

Proof of Income -

SEND A COPY OF ALL THAT APPLY

Federal & State Income Tax Returns W2 Forms

1099-SSA SSI Letter

1099-R Unemployment/1099-G, Interest 1099-INT

Public assistance benefit letter Bank or brokerage account year end statement

IRA/Annuity End of Year Statement Social security benefit statement (SSA/SSI/SSD)

Public assistance budget statement Signed letter from boarder stating rental payments

Signed letter from friend/family stating amount of monetary assistance

FOR DRIE ONLY - Send a copy of Notice of Award Letter for one of these

• Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

• Federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI);

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability pension or compensation;

• Disability-related Medicaid if the applicant has received either SSI or SSDI in the past; or

• United States Postal Service (USPS) disability pension or disability compensation.

Student status letter for any non-working students living in your household

Rent Stabilized Apartment -

SEND A COPY OF ALL THAT APPLY

Leases – The prior and current leases signed by you and your landlord

Preferential rent rider (if applicable)

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) or 80/20 or 60/40 rider (if applicable)

DHCR approved MCI (Major Capital Improvement) order

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 9

Mitchell-Lama, Limited Dividend housing company, Redevelopment company

Housing Development Fund Company (HDFC)

Rent Controlled Apartment -

SEND A COPY OF ALL OF THESE

Rent Regulated Hotel Unit -

SEND A COPY OF ALL THAT APPLY

DHCR annual apartment registration for prior and current year along with a signed letter from

the Management or Owner indicating current and prior rent

DHCR Rent History

DHCR approved MCI (Major Capital Improvement) order

FOR DRIE -

SEND A COPY OF ALL OF THESE

Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) or Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR)

Commissioner’s Orders

Rent printout or letter from your management office specifying the start date and the amount of

your most recent rent increase

Capital Assessment document

Affidavit of Household Income for the prior year

FOR DRIE -

SEND A COPY OF ALL THAT APPLY

A Notice of Rent/Carrying Charge Increase signed by the HDFC Management

Signed renewal lease (if applicable)

FOR SCRIE -

CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION

The program is administered by the Department of Housing Preservation & Development

(HPD) at 100 Gold Street, Room 7M, New York, NY 10038. For applications and more

information, call 212-863-8494 or visit nyc.gov/hpd

FOR SCRIE -

CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The program is administered by the Department of Housing Preservation & Development

(HPD) at 100 Gold Street, Room 7M, New York, NY 10038. For applications and more

information, call 212-863-8494 or visit nyc.gov/hpd

Notice of Maximum Collectible Rent (form RN 26) for prior and current year

Owner's report and Certification of Fuel Cost Adjustment (form RA33.10) for prior and current year

SECTION 4: FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 10

IF ANOTHER HOUSEHOLD MEMBER ALREADY HAS SCRIE OR

DRIE, CAN ANOTHER MEMBER APPLY FOR SCRIE?

No. The law does not permit a household to have SCRIE and DRIE at the

same time.

CAN I APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM IF IT IS MY FIRST LEASE IN MY

APARTMENT OR EVEN IF I DIDN’T RECEIVE A RENT INCREASE?

Yes. Even if you did not receive an increase on your most recent lease, you

can apply for the program. If your application is approved and you

continue to remain eligible, you will not pay future increases.

DO I NEED MY LANDLORD’S PERMISSION TO APPLY?

No. Your eligibility is based upon your application and supporting

documents.

CAN MY LANDLORD REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NYC

RENT FREEZE PROGRAM?

No. If you are eligible, you are legally entitled to the benefits. Landlords

cannot prevent a tenant from participating in the program.

DOES THE BENEFIT PROTECT ME FROM BEING EVICTED?

No. There are a number of reasons why tenants can be evicted from their

apartments including not paying rent on time. Having the SCRIE/DRIE

benefit does not provide protection from eviction.

SECTION 4: FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 11

Your approval letter

has a docket number

that is unique to you.

Your docket number

will be included on

every document we

mail you about your

benefit. Be sure to

include your docket

number on all

correspondence with

the Department of

Finance.

Review Process and Notifications

• DOF will review your application to determine if you

are eligible.

• You must continue to pay your rent and any increases

you receive until DOF notifies you that you have been

approved.

• You will receive a letter within 10 - 15 days indicating

the status of your application. The letter will notify you if

your application has been approved, denied or if more

documents are needed from you.

1. APPLICATION APPROVED

You will receive an approval letter detailing:

• Amount of your Frozen Rent;

• Amount DOF will be crediting your landlord; and

• Beginning and end date of your benefit period

(For example, if we receive your application on

May 15, and you are approved, your benefit period

will start on June 1).

Your landlord will also receive an approval letter. If you

have a tenant representative on file, he or she will also

receive a copy of your approval or denial letter.

2. APPLICATION DENIED

You will receive a letter, which will state the reason(s)

why you are not eligible. You have a right to appeal.

See next page “How To Appeal” for more information.

3. INFORMATION REQUEST

You will receive a letter requesting more documentation

from you before a decision can be made about your

application.

Application

Submitted.

Now what?

SECTION 5

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 12

How to appeal

You must submit an appeal application and all supporting documents. Refer to

the “Contact Information” page for mailing information. You cannot submit

another appeal for one that has already been denied.

When your benefit ends

Your benefit end date is on your approval letter. The end date depends on the

type of apartment you have and when you were approved. If you live in a:

Rent Stabilized Apartment

Your benefit will expire on the

expiration date of your current

lease. For example, if you applied

on May 15, 2014 and your current

lease expires May 31, 2015,

your benefit will also expire

May 31, 2015.

Rent regulated hotel unit

Your benefit will expire on the

expiration date of your demand/

increase notice or lease. For

example, if you applied on May

15, 2014 and your current rent

demand increase notice or

lease expires May 31, 2015, then

your benefit will also expire

May 31, 2015.

Rent Controlled Apartment

Your benefit expires on December

31 of the next odd-numbered year.

For example, if you applied on

May 15, 2014, your benefit will

expire on December 31, 2015.

Mitchell-Lama, Limited

Dividend, Redevelopment,

Section 213 cooperative, or

HDFC cooperative apartments

Your benefit expires one year after

your DRIE effective date. For

example, if your effective date is

May 1, 2014, the expiration date

will be April 30, 2015.

SECTION 5: APPLICATION SUBMITTED. NOW WHAT?

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 13

IF IT TAKES A FEW MONTHS FOR MY APPLICATION TO BE

APPROVED, WILL MY LANDLORD RECEIVE A

RETROACTIVE CREDIT?

Yes. For example, if your application is received on May 15 but we do

not approve your application until August 15, your landlord will

receive a retroactive credit for the period beginning June 1.

IF MY LANDLORD IS ISSUED A RETROACTIVE CREDIT, MAY

I ASK FOR IT TO BE GIVEN TO ME IN A CASH PAYOUT?

The landlord is required to credit you for the rent payments you have

made. The landlord can decide how to issue you this retroactive

credit.

WILL I RECEIVE A CHECK FROM DOF IF I AM APPROVED?

No. DOF does not make check payments. The program provides

landlords with a property tax credit equal to the difference between

the frozen rent amount and the increased rent amount.

THE APPLICATION ASKS FOR A TENANT

REPRESENTATIVE, DO I NEED ONE?

No. However, because a tenant representative receives duplicate

copies of every letter we send you about your benefit, your tenant

representative might be able to assist you if you did not receive a

notice, or you do not understand a notice.

SECTION 5: APPLICATION SUBMITTED. NOW WHAT?

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 14

Mitchell-Lama, Limited Dividend, Redevelopment, Section

213 cooperative, and HDFC cooperative apartments

If your apartment has had a rent/carrying charge increase

since your last DRIE approval letter, please send an updated

rent history printout or rent increase letter from your HDFC

board. These documents should show the effective date of

the increase, as well as the rent amount before and after the

date of the increase.

What if I do not have a renewal lease?

Please make every effort to get a renewal lease signed by

both the landlord and the tenant or a rent increase letter. If

you are unable, then you can submit a “Certification by

Renewal Applicant without a Lease” form.

• Please submit a completed and signed Certification by

Renewal Applicant without a Lease form and your

renewal application along with a current utility bill. You

may not use this form for consecutive renewal periods.

If you continue to have trouble obtaining your lease,

you may submit a New York State Division of Housing

and Community Renewal (DHCR) complaint.

• Once you receive a copy of your lease you must send

it to DOF.

• If your benefit is renewed, your frozen rent amount will

stay the same but the landlord’s credit (TAC) will not

increase until a copy of a signed renewal lease is

provided to DOF.

Renewing

your benefit

Renewal application

• DOF will mail you a renewal application

approximately 60 days before your benefit

ends. Our goal is to ensure a timely renewal

with no break in your benefits.

• You are responsible for renewing your benefit.

When you receive your benefit approval letter,

it will include your benefit end date.

• If you do not renew, your benefit will end on the

end date stated in your approval letter.

Required documents to submit with your

renewal

You must submit all income documents for all

household members for the year prior to your

renewal along with your signed application. See

the chart on page 9 for “Proof of Income”

examples.

Rent Stabilized Apartment

Send your new renewal lease signed by you

and your landlord.

rent controlled unit

The expiration of a rent controlled benefit does

not always coincide with the issuance of a new

MBR or Fuel Cost Adjustment notice. Include

these if you have them on hand or when they

become available.

Rent Regulated hotel unit

Send the rent increase letter from your landlord.

If you do not receive

the renewal

application, it is

YOUR

RESPONSIBILITY to

obtain & submit a

renewal application

or your benefit will

end. Refer to the

“Forms and

Applications” section.

SECTION 6

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 15

Mitchell-Lama, Limited Dividend, Redevelopment, Section

213 cooperative, and HDFC cooperative apartments

If your apartment has had a rent/carrying charge increase

since your last DRIE approval letter, please send an updated

rent history printout or rent increase letter from your HDFC

board. These documents should show the effective date of

the increase, as well as the rent amount before and after the

date of the increase.

What if I do not have a renewal lease?

Please make every effort to get a renewal lease signed by

both the landlord and the tenant or a rent increase letter. If

you are unable, then you can submit a “Certification by

Renewal Applicant without a Lease” form.

• Please submit a completed and signed Certification by

Renewal Applicant without a Lease form and your

renewal application along with a current utility bill. You

may not use this form for consecutive renewal periods.

If you continue to have trouble obtaining your lease,

you may submit a New York State Division of Housing

and Community Renewal (DHCR) complaint.

• Once you receive a copy of your lease you must send

it to DOF.

• If your benefit is renewed, your frozen rent amount will

stay the same but the landlord’s credit (TAC) will not

increase until a copy of a signed renewal lease is

provided to DOF.

Renewal application

• DOF will mail you a renewal application

approximately 60 days before your benefit

ends. Our goal is to ensure a timely renewal

with no break in your benefits.

• You are responsible for renewing your benefit.

When you receive your benefit approval letter,

it will include your benefit end date.

• If you do not renew, your benefit will end on the

end date stated in your approval letter.

Required documents to submit with your

renewal

You must submit all income documents for all

household members for the year prior to your

renewal along with your signed application. See

the chart on page 9 for “Proof of Income”

examples.

Rent Stabilized Apartment

Send your new renewal lease signed by you

and your landlord.

rent controlled unit

The expiration of a rent controlled benefit does

not always coincide with the issuance of a new

MBR or Fuel Cost Adjustment notice. Include

these if you have them on hand or when they

become available.

Rent Regulated hotel unit

Send the rent increase letter from your landlord.

SECTION 6: RENEWING YOUR BENEFIT

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 16

HOW DO I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY RENEWAL

APPLICATION AND BENEFIT?

DOF publishes Tenant Status Reports on its website. These

reports are updated approximately every 1-2 weeks.

• There is a Tenant Status Report for each borough. It is

sorted by docket number. To access the report visit

nyc.gov/rentfreeze , contact 311, visit a walk-in center or

• Your docket number is listed on your approval letter and is

included on every document we mail you about your

benefit.

WILL MY LANDLORD RECEIVE THEIR CREDIT IF I

FORGET TO RENEW ON TIME?

No. Your landlord stops receiving credits if your benefit ends and

your benefit is not renewed.

IS THERE A GRACE PERIOD THAT MY LANDLORD MUST

CONTINUE TO HONOR MY FROZEN RENT?

Yes. Your landlord is legally required to continue your benefit for

six months after your benefit expires, even if you have not

renewed yet.

WHAT IF I DO NOT RENEW MY BENEFIT BUT

CONTINUE TO PAY MY FROZEN RENT AMOUNT

DURING THE SIX MONTH GRACE PERIOD?

You will be responsible for paying your landlord back for the

difference between your frozen rent amount and your legal rent

amount for the six month grace period.

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I DO NOT UNDERSTAND A

DECISION THAT WAS MADE REGARDING MY

APPLICATION OR BENEFIT?

All Rent Freeze Program applicants who have received an official

exemption approval, denial, or revocation notice have the right to

get help resolving concerns with their SCRIE/DRIE application

and benefit. The SCRIE/DRIE Ombudsperson can identify and

resolve issues with your application or benefit after you have

completed the application process. You may contact them by

visiting the DOF website at nyc.gov/contactscrieombuds for help

with SCRIE or nyc.gov/contactdrieombuds for help with DRIE.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I MISSED THE SIX MONTH

DEADLINE TO FILE MY RENEWAL APPLICATION OR

ANY OTHER DEADLINE RELATED TO THE RENT FREEZE

PROGRAM?

If you needed more time to submit your application or meet any

other deadline due to a disability or physical or mental

impairment, you can request additional time. If you need help or

have questions regarding a disability or requesting additional

time, please call 311 and ask for the Department of Finance’s

Disability Service Facilitator or contact nyc.gov/contactdofeeo; or

visit our office at 66 John Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY,

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Even if you do not have a disability or physical or mental

impairment, you may still qualify if you missed the deadline

because of exceptional circumstances during the time to file your

application and your benefit expired fewer than 12 months ago. If

you were hospitalized for a temporary medical condition, or your

apartment was damaged by fire, flood, a natural catastrophe, or

other exceptional circumstances occurred, you may submit a

statement of the specific circumstances along with any

documentation of your claim with your application. If you have

any questions, please contact 311 and ask for the SCRIE/DRIE

unit, or visit nyc.gov/contactscrie or nyc.gov/contactdrie

WHAT IF I AM NOT ABLE TO PHYSICALLY SIGN THE

APPLICATION?

A person with an authorized Power of Attorney (POA) or

court-appointed guardian may sign documents on behalf of the

primary beneficiary. Please submit the power of attorney or court

order along with the application so that SCRIE can keep the

information on file and ensure that copies of all SCRIE

correspondence are sent to the POA or guardian.

SECTION 6: RENEWING YOUR BENEFIT

nyc.gov/rentfreeze

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I DO NOT UNDERSTAND A

DECISION THAT WAS MADE REGARDING MY

APPLICATION OR BENEFIT?

All Rent Freeze Program applicants who have received an official

exemption approval, denial, or revocation notice have the right to

get help resolving concerns with their SCRIE/DRIE application

and benefit. The SCRIE/DRIE Ombudsperson can identify and

resolve issues with your application or benefit after you have

completed the application process. You may contact them by

visiting the DOF website at nyc.gov/contactscrieombuds for help

with SCRIE or nyc.gov/contactdrieombuds for help with DRIE.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I MISSED THE SIX MONTH

DEADLINE TO FILE MY RENEWAL APPLICATION OR

ANY OTHER DEADLINE RELATED TO THE RENT FREEZE

PROGRAM?

If you needed more time to submit your application or meet any

other deadline due to a disability or physical or mental

impairment, you can request additional time. If you need help or

have questions regarding a disability or requesting additional

time, please call 311 and ask for the Department of Finance’s

Disability Service Facilitator or contact nyc.gov/contactdofeeo; or

visit our office at 66 John Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY,

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Even if you do not have a disability or physical or mental

impairment, you may still qualify if you missed the deadline

because of exceptional circumstances during the time to file your

application and your benefit expired fewer than 12 months ago. If

you were hospitalized for a temporary medical condition, or your

apartment was damaged by fire, flood, a natural catastrophe, or

other exceptional circumstances occurred, you may submit a

statement of the specific circumstances along with any

documentation of your claim with your application. If you have

any questions, please contact 311 and ask for the SCRIE/DRIE

unit, or visit nyc.gov/contactscrie or nyc.gov/contactdrie

WHAT IF I AM NOT ABLE TO PHYSICALLY SIGN THE

APPLICATION?

A person with an authorized Power of Attorney (POA) or

court-appointed guardian may sign documents on behalf of the

primary beneficiary. Please submit the power of attorney or court

order along with the application so that SCRIE can keep the

information on file and ensure that copies of all SCRIE

correspondence are sent to the POA or guardian.

SECTION 6: RENEWING YOUR BENEFIT

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 18

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I DO NOT UNDERSTAND A

DECISION THAT WAS MADE REGARDING MY

APPLICATION OR BENEFIT?

All Rent Freeze Program applicants who have received an official

exemption approval, denial, or revocation notice have the right to

get help resolving concerns with their SCRIE/DRIE application

and benefit. The SCRIE/DRIE Ombudsperson can identify and

resolve issues with your application or benefit after you have

completed the application process. You may contact them by

visiting the DOF website at nyc.gov/contactscrieombuds for help

with SCRIE or nyc.gov/contactdrieombuds for help with DRIE.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I MISSED THE SIX MONTH

DEADLINE TO FILE MY RENEWAL APPLICATION OR

ANY OTHER DEADLINE RELATED TO THE RENT FREEZE

PROGRAM?

If you needed more time to submit your application or meet any

other deadline due to a disability or physical or mental

impairment, you can request additional time. If you need help or

have questions regarding a disability or requesting additional

time, please call 311 and ask for the Department of Finance’s

Disability Service Facilitator or contact nyc.gov/contactdofeeo; or

visit our office at 66 John Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY,

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Even if you do not have a disability or physical or mental

impairment, you may still qualify if you missed the deadline

because of exceptional circumstances during the time to file your

application and your benefit expired fewer than 12 months ago. If

you were hospitalized for a temporary medical condition, or your

apartment was damaged by fire, flood, a natural catastrophe, or

other exceptional circumstances occurred, you may submit a

statement of the specific circumstances along with any

documentation of your claim with your application. If you have

any questions, please contact 311 and ask for the SCRIE/DRIE

unit, or visit nyc.gov/contactscrie or nyc.gov/contactdrie

WHAT IF I AM NOT ABLE TO PHYSICALLY SIGN THE

APPLICATION?

A person with an authorized Power of Attorney (POA) or

court-appointed guardian may sign documents on behalf of the

primary beneficiary. Please submit the power of attorney or court

order along with the application so that SCRIE can keep the

information on file and ensure that copies of all SCRIE

correspondence are sent to the POA or guardian.

SECTION 6: RENEWING YOUR BENEFIT

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 19

$650 $550

Rent before move is

Rent was frozen at

Old ApartmenT Rental

$750 $100

Tax abatement credit from

the old apartment was

Rent at the new

apartment is

$650

Rent is now frozen at

($750 - 100)

NEW ApartmenT Rental

$100

Your tax abatement

credit was

($650 - 550)

Changes during benefit period

Moving to another apartment?

If you move to another rent regulated apartment, you must submit an “Apartment

Benefit Transfer Application.” See “Forms and Applications” on page 25.

• If you are still eligible at your new address, the amount of the tax abatement

credit will not change. However, your frozen rent amount will change

depending on your new legal rent amount.

How DOF determines your new frozen rent amount in the new apartment

SECTION 7

WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I DO NOT UNDERSTAND A

DECISION THAT WAS MADE REGARDING MY

APPLICATION OR BENEFIT?

All Rent Freeze Program applicants who have received an official

exemption approval, denial, or revocation notice have the right to

get help resolving concerns with their SCRIE/DRIE application

and benefit. The SCRIE/DRIE Ombudsperson can identify and

resolve issues with your application or benefit after you have

completed the application process. You may contact them by

visiting the DOF website at nyc.gov/contactscrieombuds for help

with SCRIE or nyc.gov/contactdrieombuds for help with DRIE.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I MISSED THE SIX MONTH

DEADLINE TO FILE MY RENEWAL APPLICATION OR

ANY OTHER DEADLINE RELATED TO THE RENT FREEZE

PROGRAM?

If you needed more time to submit your application or meet any

other deadline due to a disability or physical or mental

impairment, you can request additional time. If you need help or

have questions regarding a disability or requesting additional

time, please call 311 and ask for the Department of Finance’s

Disability Service Facilitator or contact nyc.gov/contactdofeeo; or

visit our office at 66 John Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY,

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Even if you do not have a disability or physical or mental

impairment, you may still qualify if you missed the deadline

because of exceptional circumstances during the time to file your

application and your benefit expired fewer than 12 months ago. If

you were hospitalized for a temporary medical condition, or your

apartment was damaged by fire, flood, a natural catastrophe, or

other exceptional circumstances occurred, you may submit a

statement of the specific circumstances along with any

documentation of your claim with your application. If you have

any questions, please contact 311 and ask for the SCRIE/DRIE

unit, or visit nyc.gov/contactscrie or nyc.gov/contactdrie

WHAT IF I AM NOT ABLE TO PHYSICALLY SIGN THE

APPLICATION?

A person with an authorized Power of Attorney (POA) or

court-appointed guardian may sign documents on behalf of the

primary beneficiary. Please submit the power of attorney or court

order along with the application so that SCRIE can keep the

information on file and ensure that copies of all SCRIE

correspondence are sent to the POA or guardian.

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 20

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY RENT IS INCREASED DUE TO A

MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT (MCI) DURING MY

BENEFIT PERIOD?

Your frozen rent will remain the same. However, it is your responsibility

to submit the MCI order along with a “Tax Abatement Credit (TAC)

Adjustment Application” to the SCRIE/DRIE unit. See “Forms &

Applications” on page 25.

I AM CURRENTLY RECEIVING DRIE AND I TURNED 62. DO I

HAVE TO TRANSFER TO SCRIE?

No. Both of the programs are identical. There is no additional

benefit to transfer from DRIE to SCRIE.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BENEFIT WHEN I DIE?

DOF must be notified. The benefits are revoked effective the first

day of the month following the date of death.

CAN MY FAMILY INHERIT MY BENEFIT?

No. There are no automatic succession rights to SCRIE/DRIE

benefits. However, a surviving household member may qualify for a

transfer of your SCRIE/DRIE benefits.

• This can happen only if you previously listed the person's

name and source of income on your SCRIE or DRIE

application or renewal forms;

• The surviving individual must also qualify for the program; and

• The surviving individual must be the primary tenant listed on a

lease or rent order or be granted succession rights to the

apartment by the landlord.

HOW DOES A FAMILY MEMBER APPLY TO RECEIVE

MY BENEFIT?

A surviving household member who is eligible for a transfer of your

SCRIE/DRIE benefits should submit an “Application for Benefit

Takeover.” The eligibility requirements and documents are listed on

the application. See “Forms & Applications” on page 25.

CAN MY FROZEN RENT BE REDUCED IF THERE IS A

DECREASE IN THE HOUSEHOLD INCOME?

If there has been a permanent loss of 20% or more of the income you

reported on your prior approved application, you may apply for a

redetermination of your frozen rent by filing a Redetermination

Application, which can be found on our website at nyc.gov/rentfreeze.

You must provide proof of your current income with the

Redetermination Application. NOTE: The loss of income must be

considered permanent. The remaining tenant must submit the

“Redetermination Application.” See “Forms & Applications” on

page 25.

WHAT IF A SURVIVING HOUSEHOLD MEMBER IS ELIGIBLE

FOR DRIE AND NOT SCRIE?

If a household member is eligible for DRIE and not SCRIE, he or she

can submit the benefit takeover application and indicate DRIE in the

new applicant information section. See “Forms & Applications” on

page 25.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM OVER THE INCOME ELIGIBILITY

FOR A RENEWAL PERIOD?

If your benefit ended because your annual household income is over

$50,000 or your rent is less than 1/3 of your monthly household

income for a renewal period, you may reapply for the program in the

future if you believe you qualify. If your income decreases in the next

calendar year, you may qualify to restore your old frozen rent

(legislation effective September 2016). To reapply, please submit an

initial application in the next calendar year.

SECTION 7: CHANGES DURING BENEFIT PERIOD

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 21

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY RENT IS INCREASED DUE TO A

MAJOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT (MCI) DURING MY

BENEFIT PERIOD?

Your frozen rent will remain the same. However, it is your responsibility

to submit the MCI order along with a “Tax Abatement Credit (TAC)

Adjustment Application” to the SCRIE/DRIE unit. See “Forms &

Applications” on page 25.

I AM CURRENTLY RECEIVING DRIE AND I TURNED 62. DO I

HAVE TO TRANSFER TO SCRIE?

No. Both of the programs are identical. There is no additional

benefit to transfer from DRIE to SCRIE.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BENEFIT WHEN I DIE?

DOF must be notified. The benefits are revoked effective the first

day of the month following the date of death.

CAN MY FAMILY INHERIT MY BENEFIT?

No. There are no automatic succession rights to SCRIE/DRIE

benefits. However, a surviving household member may qualify for a

transfer of your SCRIE/DRIE benefits.

• This can happen only if you previously listed the person's

name and source of income on your SCRIE or DRIE

application or renewal forms;

• The surviving individual must also qualify for the program; and

• The surviving individual must be the primary tenant listed on a

lease or rent order or be granted succession rights to the

apartment by the landlord.

HOW DOES A FAMILY MEMBER APPLY TO RECEIVE

MY BENEFIT?

A surviving household member who is eligible for a transfer of your

SCRIE/DRIE benefits should submit an “Application for Benefit

Takeover.” The eligibility requirements and documents are listed on

the application. See “Forms & Applications” on page 25.

CAN MY FROZEN RENT BE REDUCED IF THERE IS A

DECREASE IN THE HOUSEHOLD INCOME?

If there has been a permanent loss of 20% or more of the income you

reported on your prior approved application, you may apply for a

redetermination of your frozen rent by filing a Redetermination

Application, which can be found on our website at nyc.gov/rentfreeze.

You must provide proof of your current income with the

Redetermination Application. NOTE: The loss of income must be

considered permanent. The remaining tenant must submit the

“Redetermination Application.” See “Forms & Applications” on

page 25.

WHAT IF A SURVIVING HOUSEHOLD MEMBER IS ELIGIBLE

FOR DRIE AND NOT SCRIE?

If a household member is eligible for DRIE and not SCRIE, he or she

can submit the benefit takeover application and indicate DRIE in the

new applicant information section. See “Forms & Applications” on

page 25.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM OVER THE INCOME ELIGIBILITY

FOR A RENEWAL PERIOD?

If your benefit ended because your annual household income is over

$50,000 or your rent is less than 1/3 of your monthly household

income for a renewal period, you may reapply for the program in the

future if you believe you qualify. If your income decreases in the next

calendar year, you may qualify to restore your old frozen rent

(legislation effective September 2016). To reapply, please submit an

initial application in the next calendar year.

SECTION 7: CHANGES DURING BENEFIT PERIOD

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 22

Rent Controlled Apartment

Residential units with limits in the amount a

landlord can charge a tenant for rent. To

qualify for rent control, a tenant must have

been living continuously in an apartment

since July 1, 1971.

Rent Demand Renewal

Rent demand increases for regulated hotel

units as determined by NYC Rent

Guidelines Board.

Rent Regulated Apartment or Unit

An apartment or housing unit that is either

rent controlled or rent stabilized.

Rent Regulated Hotel UNIT

A hotel unit that is rent stabilized.

RENT STABILIZED Apartment

Residential units regulated by law so that

rent increases may not exceed a specified

amount. In NYC it is regulated by the Rent

Guidelines Board.

SCRIE

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption,

provides eligible seniors age 62 and over

an exemption from paying most rent

increases.

TAC

Tax Abatement Credit. The amount

credited on a landlord’s property tax bill for

SCRIE or DRIE.

you should not include their income but

you must include the amount they pay

you as part of your income.

Legal Rent

The maximum rent that a landlord can

charge a tenant for a rent regulated unit.

The landlord must annually register that

legal rent with DHCR.

Major Capital Improvement (MCI)

An increase authorized by DHCR to

compensate a landlord for the cost of

building-wide renovations, such as a new

roof or boiler.

MAXIMUM BASE RENT (MBR)

INCREASE

The highest amount a landlord can raise

the rent as authorized by DHCR for rent

controlled apartments.

MAXIMUM COLLECTIVE RENT (MCR)

The highest amount a landlord can raise

the rent as authorized by DHCR for rent

controlled apartments.

Mitchell-Lama

A Limited Dividend, Redevelopment,

Section 213 cooperative, or HDFC

cooperative apartment.

Preferential Rent

Rent charged by an owner to a tenant

that is less than the established legal

regulated rent.

Approval/Denial/Revocation Order

The notice that DOF sends you telling you

the status of your application: Approved,

denied or revoked.

Boarder

Someone who is not a relative of the tenant

of record. Boarders are not eligible for a

Benefit Take Over. Since a boarder's

income is not included in calculating

household income, the tenant is not eligible

for a redetermination if a boarder leaves.

DHCR

New York State Division of Housing and

Community Renewal, the agency

responsible for administering the rent

regulatory laws of New York State.

Docket Number

The unique identification number assigned

to each applicant. This is the easiest way to

refer to your case.

DOF

Acronym for New York City Department of

Finance, the agency that administers the

SCRIE and DRIE programs.

DRIE

Disability Rent Increase Exemption,

provides eligible renters age 18 and over,

receiving federal disability compensation

an exemption from paying most rent

increases.

Exemptible Rent Increase

A rent increase authorized by the Rent

Guidelines Board or DHCR to be exempt

under DRIE and SCRIE. Examples: Major

Capital Improvement, Fuel Cost

Adjustment, or Maximum Base Rent

increases.

Exemption Period

The period covered by your DRIE/SCRIE

rent exemption benefit.

Frozen Rent

The amount of rent you must pay your

landlord.

Fuel Cost Adjustment Increase

An increase to cover an unexpected rise in

the price of heating fuel during the

previous year. Must be verified by DHCR.

Household Income

The income of every person who lives in a

household. If you rent a room to someone,

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 23

Rent Controlled Apartment

Residential units with limits in the amount a

landlord can charge a tenant for rent. To

qualify for rent control, a tenant must have

been living continuously in an apartment

since July 1, 1971.

Rent Demand Renewal

Rent demand increases for regulated hotel

units as determined by NYC Rent

Guidelines Board.

Rent Regulated Apartment or Unit

An apartment or housing unit that is either

rent controlled or rent stabilized.

Rent Regulated Hotel UNIT

A hotel unit that is rent stabilized.

RENT STABILIZED Apartment

Residential units regulated by law so that

rent increases may not exceed a specified

amount. In NYC it is regulated by the Rent

Guidelines Board.

SCRIE

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption,

provides eligible seniors age 62 and over

an exemption from paying most rent

increases.

TAC

Tax Abatement Credit. The amount

credited on a landlord’s property tax bill for

SCRIE or DRIE.

you should not include their income but

you must include the amount they pay

you as part of your income.

Legal Rent

The maximum rent that a landlord can

charge a tenant for a rent regulated unit.

The landlord must annually register that

legal rent with DHCR.

Major Capital Improvement (MCI)

An increase authorized by DHCR to

compensate a landlord for the cost of

building-wide renovations, such as a new

roof or boiler.

MAXIMUM BASE RENT (MBR)

INCREASE

The highest amount a landlord can raise

the rent as authorized by DHCR for rent

controlled apartments.

MAXIMUM COLLECTIVE RENT (MCR)

The highest amount a landlord can raise

the rent as authorized by DHCR for rent

controlled apartments.

Mitchell-Lama

A Limited Dividend, Redevelopment,

Section 213 cooperative, or HDFC

cooperative apartment.

Preferential Rent

Rent charged by an owner to a tenant

that is less than the established legal

regulated rent.

Approval/Denial/Revocation Order

The notice that DOF sends you telling you

the status of your application: Approved,

denied or revoked.

Boarder

Someone who is not a relative of the tenant

of record. Boarders are not eligible for a

Benefit Take Over. Since a boarder's

income is not included in calculating

household income, the tenant is not eligible

for a redetermination if a boarder leaves.

DHCR

New York State Division of Housing and

Community Renewal, the agency

responsible for administering the rent

regulatory laws of New York State.

Docket Number

The unique identification number assigned

to each applicant. This is the easiest way to

refer to your case.

DOF

Acronym for New York City Department of

Finance, the agency that administers the

SCRIE and DRIE programs.

DRIE

Disability Rent Increase Exemption,

provides eligible renters age 18 and over,

receiving federal disability compensation

an exemption from paying most rent

increases.

Exemptible Rent Increase

A rent increase authorized by the Rent

Guidelines Board or DHCR to be exempt

under DRIE and SCRIE. Examples: Major

Capital Improvement, Fuel Cost

Adjustment, or Maximum Base Rent

increases.

Exemption Period

The period covered by your DRIE/SCRIE

rent exemption benefit.

Frozen Rent

The amount of rent you must pay your

landlord.

Fuel Cost Adjustment Increase

An increase to cover an unexpected rise in

the price of heating fuel during the

previous year. Must be verified by DHCR.

Household Income

The income of every person who lives in a

household. If you rent a room to someone,

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 24

REDETERMINATION APPLICATION

Use this application to apply for a redetermination of your frozen rent amount

because you have experienced a permanent loss of 20% or more of your

combined household income as compared to the income you reported in your

last approved application.

SCRIE <

––––

> DRIE TRANSFER APPLICATION

Use this form to transfer from the SCRIE to DRIE program or DRIE to SCRIE

program.

APPEAL APPLICATION

Use this form to appeal a decision made by SCRIE or DRIE.

TAX ABATEMENT CREDIT (TAC) ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION

Use this form if you are presently receiving a SCRIE/DRIE benefit and wish to

apply for an adjustment due to a change in TAC, fuel cost adjustment, MCI

increase or J-51 reduction.

forms AND

applications

NYC RENT FREEZE SCRIE OR DRIE

INITIAL APPLICATIONS

Use these applications to apply for either

the SCRIE or DRIE program for the 1st

time. Do not apply for both.

RENEWAL APPLICATIONS

Choose the renewal application based on

the type of apartment you are renting. If

you do not receive a renewal application

by mail, it is your responsibility to obtain

and submit the renewal application or your

benefit will expire.

CERTIFICATION BY RENEWAL

APPLICANT WITHOUT A LEASE

Use this form to submit along with your

renewal application if you if you have

made several attempts to get a signed

lease from your landlord and still have not

received one.

APARTMENT BENEFIT TRANSFER

APPLICATION

Use this form if you have moved into

another rent regulated apartment and

would like to transfer your benefit.

BENEFIT TAKEOVER APPLICATION

Use this form to apply to take over the

benefit of a beneficiary who has

permanently vacated the apartment.

ONLINe

nyc.gov/rentfreeze

Call 311

RELAY SERVICE

212-639-9675

forms are available

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 25

REDETERMINATION APPLICATION

Use this application to apply for a redetermination of your frozen rent amount

because you have experienced a permanent loss of 20% or more of your

combined household income as compared to the income you reported in your

last approved application.

SCRIE <

––––

> DRIE TRANSFER APPLICATION

Use this form to transfer from the SCRIE to DRIE program or DRIE to SCRIE

program.

APPEAL APPLICATION

Use this form to appeal a decision made by SCRIE or DRIE.

TAX ABATEMENT CREDIT (TAC) ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION

Use this form if you are presently receiving a SCRIE/DRIE benefit and wish to

apply for an adjustment due to a change in TAC, fuel cost adjustment, MCI

increase or J-51 reduction.

NYC RENT FREEZE SCRIE OR DRIE

INITIAL APPLICATIONS

Use these applications to apply for either

the SCRIE or DRIE program for the 1st

time. Do not apply for both.

RENEWAL APPLICATIONS

Choose the renewal application based on

the type of apartment you are renting. If

you do not receive a renewal application

by mail, it is your responsibility to obtain

and submit the renewal application or your

benefit will expire.

CERTIFICATION BY RENEWAL

APPLICANT WITHOUT A LEASE

Use this form to submit along with your

renewal application if you if you have

made several attempts to get a signed

lease from your landlord and still have not

received one.

APARTMENT BENEFIT TRANSFER

APPLICATION

Use this form if you have moved into

another rent regulated apartment and

would like to transfer your benefit.

BENEFIT TAKEOVER APPLICATION

Use this form to apply to take over the

benefit of a beneficiary who has

permanently vacated the apartment.

FORMS & APPLICATIONS

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 26

HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED ASSISTANCE?

visit

•

Your senior center,

•

Local ofﬁce of your elected

ofﬁcial, Council Member,

Assembly Member, or

State Senator

ONLINe

nyc.gov/rentfreeze

in-person

DOF’s SCRIE/DRIE

Walk-In Center

Monday to Friday

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

66 John Street, 3rd Floor

New York, New York 10038

Call 311

RELAY SERVICE

212-639-9675

For general Information about the NYC Rent Freeze Program

REQUEST FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMODATION

If you need help accessing Department of Finance (DOF) programs and services or need

more time because of a disability or physical or mental impairment, you can request

additional time to file or obtain other assistance.

To request more time or other assistance, you may call 311, write to DOF, visit the Rent

Freeze Program Office at 66 John Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.

to 4:30 p.m., or complete a ”Request for an Extension of Time Due to a Disability or

Physical or Mental Impairment.” This form is available by contacting 311 or online at

nyc.gov/finance. You may need to submit medical documentation supporting your request.

If an extension of time or other request for assistance is approved, you will need to submit

all renewal documents and meet all of the program’s eligibility requirements.

nyc.gov/rentfreeze

Write t0

IN-PERSON

SCRIE APPLICANTS

New York City Department

of Finance

SCRIE UNIT

59 Maiden Lane, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10038

nyc.gov/contactscrie

DOF’s SCRIE/DRIE Walk-In Center (see previous page)

nyc.gov/contactdrie

DRIE APPLICANTS

New York City Department

of Finance

DRIE UNIT

59 Maiden Lane, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10038

TO APPEAL, MAIL THE APPEAL FORM AND ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

TO APPLY, SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AND COPIES

OF ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE ADDRESS LISTED ON

THE APPLICATION OR LETTER

DRIE APPLICANTS

New York City Department

of Finance

DRIE Appeals

59 Maiden Lane, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10038

SCRIE APPLICANTS

New York City Department

of Finance

SCRIE Appeals

59 Maiden Lane, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10038

CONTACT INFORMATION

nyc.gov/rentfreeze 28

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Rev. 11.01.2017