Hi there -- here is a question for the group.
Because I am so obsessive, the first thing I did when we moved in was order our rent history.
This unit was previously rent stabilized (no surprise) but since the building went co-op in the 80s, the prior tenant's vacancy means it lost RS status. The previous rent was less than half of what we are paying -- which is to say, a significant increase.
HOWEVER, I ALSO noticed in our rent history the building was getting a J51 tax abatement. Knowing that leads to temporary, separate (though concurrent) RS status, I continued my sleuthing.
J51 status began in 2011/2012 and runs for 14 years which means this unit has 7 years left on J51 which means 7 years of RS status.
Now, the landlord made me sign a lease that says the unit is not stabilized -- which is inaccurate. The question is how do I broach the issue with the landlord and what would the legal rent be based on the prior tenant's RS rent or do they just pick a rent (which we agreed on) and the RS status in based on that rent?
Do I need a lawyer? Thanks!