If the owner requires an apartment occupied by a rent stabilized tenant, the owner need not apply to DHCR but may proceed directly to court after the service of the proper notices. In both cases there are protections for senior citizens and disabled persons against eviction for owner occupancy. The definition of a family member also includes any other person residing with the tenant in the housing accommodation as a primary resident, who can prove emotional and financial commitment and interdependence between such person and the tenant. No owner or anyone acting on behalf of the owner or as the owner's agent may interfere with a tenant's privacy, comfort or quiet enjoyment of the tenant's apartment. Interference includes reducing services or engaging in baseless court proceedings.
Harassment is a serious violation of a tenant's rights.
Upon a DHCR finding of harassment, a civil penalty may be imposed on the owner. A tenant is entitled to the registered rental information only for the apartment that the tenant legally occupies. Eligible Senior Citizens with a fixed income may qualify to have their rent frozen under the S.C.R.I.E program. In NYC, tenants may contact the NYC Department of Aging. Tenants living in the counties outside NYC may contact their regional DHCR offices.