All Forum Posts by: Robeson Edouard

Hi Colleen, I do not have to accept the assessment. I can remain at the current lease amount. To terminate, I would need to elect not to renew the lease next year, reject any payments at the end of the lease and begin eviction by holdover.

It does seem like a method of control over private owners. Where would a single property mom and pop owner get a rent roll or lease from another property to comp? That isn't practical, and whoever came up with the policy is a diabolical genius. The Federal government funds Section-8. Looks like they will eventually move to cap us small fry NY owners. A freeze on rental growth to somehow trim the budget.

Hopefully, I'll find a solution in this community.

Hello,

I am a long-time listener to a few of the BP podcasts, and find myself in a bind that I'm hoping this community can help me conquer.

Briefly about myself, 37 years old, Brooklyn native. Purchased my first duplex property in 2014 and still hold it. I rent to Section 8 tenants and learned the ins and outs from my parents, who are also Section 8 landlords. I have had only 1 turnover and expect my tenants to be long-term indefinitely. 

Recently, NYCHA/Section 8, HUD, and HPD have begun to push several regulatory and compliance initiatives. I personally believe that these policy changes are a way of grasping greater control over private owners. One of these changes is in the ability to increase rent. It appears that NYCHA is now requiring valid comparables from non Sec-8 properties to approve rent increases.

Hence, my current dilemma. I am trying to increase the rent from $2600 to $2700 (unit 1) / $2800 (unit 2), both are below the tenant's voucher standards. NYCHA responded with a reasonableness of $2200, unless I can provide comparables.

Would anyone located in Brooklyn/Queens border be willing to provide me with a rent roll or redacted lease of a 2 bed 1 bath non Section 8 / non rent-controlled apartment currently or previously at $2700 and $2800? I have 26 days to submit it.

I'm sure this is an unusual request, but I have seen great things come from productive communities.

Thank you.