Rent CalculatorOvercharge

Estimate how much you may be owed if you're being overcharged on a rent stabilized apartment in NYC.

⚠️ Important: This Tool is for Rent Stabilized Apartments Only

Rent overcharge claims only apply to rent stabilized apartments. Not sure if yours qualifies?

How This Calculator Works

This rent overcharge calculator estimates how much a rent-stabilized tenant may be owed if their current rent exceeds the legal regulated rent. The calculator applies the following methodology:

Inputs Required

The calculator requires your current monthly rent, when your tenancy began, and your lease type (1-year or 2-year). For a more accurate estimate, you can also provide the legal regulated rent from your DHCR rent history, or the prior tenant's rent if known.

Calculation Method 1: Known Legal Rent

If you provide the legal regulated rent from DHCR records, the calculator compares it directly to your current rent. The difference is the monthly overcharge amount.

Calculation Method 2: Estimate from Prior Tenant's Rent

If you provide the prior tenant's rent, the calculator applies annual Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) increases from that starting point to estimate what the current legal rent should be. Since the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) took effect on June 14, 2019, vacancy bonuses have been eliminated. The calculator applies the following RGB rates for lease renewals:

2025-2026: 3.0% (1-year), 4.5% (2-year)
2024-2025: 2.75% (1-year), 5.25% (2-year)
2023-2024: 3.0% (1-year), 5.95% (2-year)
2022-2023: 3.25% (1-year), 5.0% (2-year)
2021-2022: 1.5% (1-year), 2.5% (2-year)
2020-2021: 0.0% (1-year), 1.0% (2-year)
2019-2020: 1.5% (1-year), 2.5% (2-year)
2018-2019: 1.5% (1-year), 2.5% (2-year)
2017-2018: 1.25% (1-year), 2.0% (2-year)

Recovery Estimation

If an overcharge is found, the calculator estimates potential recovery as follows:

Base overcharge: Monthly overcharge multiplied by months of tenancy, capped at 72 months (6 years) for post-HSTPA claims
Treble damages: If the overcharge is found willful, recovery can be tripled (3x the base amount)
Statutory interest: 9% annual interest on the base overcharge amount
Estimated range: From base overcharge plus interest (minimum) to treble damages plus interest (maximum if willful)

Important Limitations

This calculator provides estimates only. Actual legal rent and overcharge amounts can only be determined by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR) or a court. Factors not included in this calculator include Individual Apartment Improvements (IAIs), Major Capital Improvements (MCIs), and other adjustments that may affect the legal rent. If preferential rent applies, increases since HSTPA must be based on the preferential rent rather than the legal registered rent.

DISCLAIMER: This tool provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and may not reflect your actual legal situation. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney. This information is current as of January 2026 and laws may have changed.

Rent overcharge amounts and legal rent can only be finally determined by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR) or a court. Many factors affect calculations including Individual Apartment Improvements (IAIs), Major Capital Improvements (MCIs), and other adjustments.