My building was just sold & I'm worried about the new LL raising rent. This prompted me to review leases going back to Aug 2010 when my family moved in. As it turns out, we were 1st tenants to live in the apartment after deregulation. LL tacked on $515.90 3 years before we moved in, expediting its departure from the RS program. We have been paying preferential rent all these years, though. Do you think it's possible to get DHCR to review case even though it's been far longer than 4 years? Should we go to a lawyer to fight it? Should we talk to the new LL? We'd really like to stay and fear what the new rent will be. Thanks for any advice!
DETAILS - Our original lease from 8/2010 the legal rent was $2082.17, but preferential rent rider $1300. After looking at apt history from DHCR back to 1984 I found discrepancies. In 2007, an 18 year tenant moved out, and rent jumped from $964.10 to $1480.00 for next occupants. (They updated the kitchen cabinets, but there is no way this jump is justifiable.) Renters lived there a year 12/2007- 12/2008. Vacant 5 months, new tenants move in 5/2009. For this couple there is legal rent at $1716.80 and also introduction of preferential rent at $1350. They move out 5/2010, we move in 8/2010 with preferential rent, $1300 (less!). Our rent has increased but we still pay preferential rent.