1 800-518-0890 OVERCHARGES
The laws guarantee refunds to rent controlled and stabilized tenants who are overcharged on their rents. The amount of the refund is determined according to the tenant's classification.
For RENT STABILIZED tenants:
Tenants filing complaints after April 1, 1984 are entitled to refunds of all overcharges for a period of four years prior to the date the overcharge complaint is filed. If the overcharge is determined to be willful, an amount equal to three times the amount of the overcharge must be refunded to the tenant; however, the treble damage penalty is limited to two years of the overcharge. Tenants are also eligible for interest payments and attorney's fees.
For RENT CONTROLLED tenants:
Rent controlled tenants are entitled to a refund of overcharges for the prior two years from the date the complaint is filed.
They may also sue in court for up to three times the amount of the overcharges.
The Division of Housing and Community Renewal is required to resolve all rent overcharge disputes involving both rent controlled and rent stabilized tenants.