New York Council Debated Rent Exemption Expansion

Proposed legislation seeks to raise income eligibility limits to help New Yorkers manage rising housing costs.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Apartments

Gouache-painted illustration of a single brass apartment key on a wooden surface, representing housing stability and rent exemption programs. — The New York City Council is considering legislation to raise income thresholds for senior and disability rent exemption programs, potentially protecting 90,000 households. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local government increase the income eligibility threshold for senior and disability rent relief?

The New York City Council recently held a public hearing on Intro. 978, a bill that proposes raising the rent exemption income threshold from $50,000 to $75,000. This shift aims to improve housing stability for residents currently struggling under existing income caps.

Why it matters

Rising living and housing costs have rendered current eligibility limits insufficient for many households, putting approximately 90,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing their housing stability. Advancing this legislation would expand access to programs that protect seniors and residents with disabilities.

Intro. 978 proposes increasing the annual income eligibility cap from $50,000 to $75,000. This change could impact roughly 90,000 New Yorkers who are currently at risk under existing limits.

The players

New York City Council

The local legislative body responsible for passing laws that regulate city housing programs and eligibility requirements for rent exemptions.

The details

The proposed legislation would expand access to the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) for residents aged 62 and older, and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE). By raising the annual income threshold, more households would qualify to have their rent increases frozen, helping them maintain their homes despite rising market costs. The bill moved forward following a public hearing by the City Council to address these ongoing housing affordability concerns.

September 18, 2026: Officials and advocates held a rally at City Hall to support the bill.

Money Landscape

This legislation marks an effort to update the income eligibility parameters of the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption to match current economic conditions. It reflects a broader effort to adjust public housing supports in response to the sustained rise in cost-of-living benchmarks.

If you are a senior aged 62 or older, or a resident with a disability, you may soon qualify for rent protection if your income falls within the new proposed $75,000 limit. Review your household income documentation and consult with a tax or housing professional to see how these potential changes could impact your budget.

The takeaway

Advocates are pushing to align income eligibility thresholds with modern housing costs to ensure vulnerable residents maintain their housing stability. Residents should monitor the City Council legislative calendar for future updates on the status of Intro. 978.