Your Landlord Sent a Notice to Raise the Rent. What Now?

Receiving an email or a letter with a rent increase notice is one of the most stressful moments a tenant can face. Your mind immediately races. “Can they do this? Is this amount legal? Do I have to move?”

If you are a tenant in Nassau or Suffolk County, you are in the right place. We are an eviction law firm, and we wrote this guide specifically for you.

You may have heard about new tenant laws in New York City, but it is vital to understand that the rules on Long Island are different. This article will give you a clear, honest answer to the question, can a landlord raise rent on Long Island?

The First and Most Important Rule: Do You Have a Lease?

This is the first question we ask every client. The answer changes everything.

• If you have a current lease (e.t., you are 6 months into a 1-year lease): Your landlord cannot raise the rent. A lease is a binding contract that locks in the rent amount for the entire term. The only exception, which is very rare, would be a specific clause in your lease that allows for a mid-term increase.
• If your lease is ending or you are month-to-month: This is when a landlord can propose a rent increase. The new rent is a condition of signing a new lease or continuing your month-to-month tenancy.

If you fall into this second group, your next question is probably, “Okay, but how much can they raise it?”

The “NYC vs. Long Island” Myth: Is There a Cap on Rent Increases?

This is the most confusing part for Long Island tenants. You may hear news about “Good Cause” laws or rent caps that protect tenants in New York City.

As of late 2025, these “Good Cause” laws do not apply to Nassau or Suffolk counties.

This means that for most Long Island tenants (in what are called “market-rate” apartments), there is no legal cap on the amount of a rent increase.

The One Big Rule Your Landlord MUST Follow: Proper Written Notice

While there is no cap on the amount of the increase, New York state law is very strict about how much notice your landlord must give you. This protection comes from the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) of 2019.

This law states that if your landlord wants to raise your rent by 5% or more (or not renew your lease), they must give you written notice. The amount of time depends on how long you have lived there.

This is your single greatest protection. If you have lived in your apartment for three years and your landlord tries to raise the rent with only 30 days’ notice, that increase is invalid. They must restart the process and give you the full 90 days.

This notice requirement also answers another common question: “Can my landlord increase rent twice in a year?” It is very unlikely. Each time they want to raise the rent, they must provide a new 30/60/90-day notice. This process makes it impractical, but the main protection is the notice period, not the frequency.

The Rare Exception: Are You in a “Rent-Stabilized” Unit?

While most apartments on Long Island are market-rate, a small number of buildings are “rent-stabilized.” This is very rare, but it is important to check.

• What it is: Rent stabilization is a program that limits the amount your rent can be raised each year. These limits are set by the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board, not your landlord.
• How to check: If you are in a rent-stabilized unit, your lease must state this. It will often include a “rent stabilization rider.” If your lease says nothing about it, you are almost certainly in a market-rate apartment.

If you are one of the few tenants in a stabilized unit, your landlord cannot raise the rent by $300 or $800. They can only raise it by the small percentage (e.g., 2%-4%) set by the board for that year.

Can a landlord not renew a lease?

This question often goes hand-in-hand with a rent increase. Many tenants who are hit with a massive rent hike feel like the landlord is just trying to force them out.

For market-rate apartments, a landlord can choose not to renew your lease for almost any reason. Because the “Good Cause” law does not apply here, they do not need to give you a reason why.

However, they must follow the exact same 30/60/90-day notice rules. If they plan to not renew your lease, they must give you the proper advance written notice.

The only time a non-renewal is illegal is if it is for discriminatory reasons (based on your race, religion, family status, etc.) or as retaliation (for example, you just called the health department on them). Proving this, however, can be very difficult.

Your Plan: What to Do if You Get a Rent Increase Notice

1. Do not panic. Read the notice carefully.
2. Check Your Lease. Are you in the middle of a lease? If so, the notice is likely invalid.
3. Check the Date. Did the landlord give you the correct 30, 60, or 90 days’ notice based on how long you have lived there? This is the most common mistake landlords make.
4. Check Your Lease for “Rent Stabilization.” Look for these words. It is a long shot, but it is the first thing to check.
5. Understand the Situation. If the notice period is correct and you are in a market-rate apartment, the amount of the increase is likely legal. Your decision then becomes whether you can afford it or if you must use the notice period to find a new home.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

The law can feel confusing and unfair, especially when you feel like you have fewer rights than tenants in NYC. But a mistake in the procedure, like improper notice, can make a rent increase completely void.

If you have received a rent increase notice and are not sure if it is legal, you do not have to guess. Law Office of Bradley D. Schnur, Esq. P.C. is here to help. Contact us for a clear, no-pressure consultation to understand your rights and options.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, please contact our office directly.