SCRIE
Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (Rent Freeze)
In short
Freezes rent at current level; landlord gets property tax credit for future increases. Age 62+, head of household on lease, rent-stabilized/rent-controlled/Mitchell-Lama/HDFC/Section 213 co-op, rent >1/3 of income.
Why it matters
Freezes rent for seniors. The income limit is rising from $50k to $75k, so many more tenants will qualify. Paper-heavy with yearly renewal.
- What you get
- Freezes rent at current level; landlord gets property tax credit for future increases.
- Who qualifies
- Age 62+, head of household on lease, rent-stabilized/rent-controlled/Mitchell-Lama/HDFC/Section 213 co-op, rent >1/3 of income.
- Income limit (2026)
- $50,000 household income; law raises to $75,000 (one source says from July 1, 2026; another says needs City Council opt-in and June 2027). Verify with DOF.
- Papers to gather
- Lease (current + previous), proof of age, income documents for all household members (tax returns, SSA-1099, pay stubs), ID.
- Renewal
- Renew every 2 years (with each lease renewal).
- 2026 update
- CHANGED: Income limit increase to $75k enacted in 2026 state budget (timing disputed); programs extended through June 30, 2028. Combined with 2026 RGB rent freeze.
Some details here could not be confirmed yet. We check every rule with the agency before you apply.
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