I recently found out, after obtaining my rent history, that I'm in a rent stabilized apartment, and have been for the last five years. I was never given the standard RS lease, any renewal rider/document that mentioned the apartment was RS and there have been some overcharges that I'm evaluating negotiating a settlement with my landlord/hiring a lawyer and going to court.
However, a friend mentioned the other day that in almost all cases the legal rent in a rent stabilized apartment was supposed to include utilities. I've paid for mine for all five years. Is my friend right? How would I find out either way? My lease does say I'm responsible for utilities, but it's not an RS lease, so if notice was required, does this count? If utilities are included, this would increase my claim substantially as mine are ridiculous- generally $500 per month.
Thanks in advance.