Albany, NY – This week, the New York State Legislature passed a critical expansion of rent-freeze programs, the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE), as well as the expansion of critical exemptions for homeowners through the Senior Citizen Homeowners' Exemption (SCHE) and Disabled Homeowners' Exemption (DHE). Assemblymember Grace Lee and Senator Brian Kavanagh who advocated strongly for these expansions, celebrated their inclusion in the FY26-27 state budget bills, proudly voting to pass the bills that included these measures.

This legislation raises the income eligibility threshold for all programs from $50,000 to $75,000—the first time this cap has been adjusted since 2014. While the income cap remained stagnant for over a decade, rent costs, utilities, property taxes, and general cost of living have surged. This adjustment brings the income cap to a more realistic level that accounts for the rise in the cost of living.

It also ensures that community members who are eligible for SCRIE and DRIE are aware of the benefits. The bill requires landlords of rent-regulated units to inform tenants of their eligibility for SCRIE and DRIE with every initial lease and every renewal of a lease. It also requires the Commissioner of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR) to provide notice to tenants when HCR receives an application for a rent increase.

“Across Lower Manhattan, I have heard from seniors who are struggling to pay their rent on a fixed income and from people with disabilities who are being squeezed by rising housing costs,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “Expanding income eligibility for the SCRIE and DRIE programs is a meaningful step toward helping more New Yorkers stay in their homes, remain in their communities, and live with the stability and dignity they deserve. No senior or person with a disability should be forced out of the neighborhood they helped build simply because their rent keeps going up. Thank you to Senator Brian Kavanagh for his advocacy.”

“I am extremely proud that, after many years of advocacy, we are raising the income thresholds for the SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE, and DHE programs in this year’s state budget. These programs are essential to ensuring that seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities can stay in their homes and thrive in their communities, but the maximum eligible income hasn’t changed in over a decade. By raising that number from $50,000 to $75,000 and implementing comprehensive tenant notification requirements, we will ensure that these programs are truly reaching those who need them the most. Many of the communities I represent in Lower Manhattan are home to longtime residents living on fixed incomes who will now be eligible for these programs and be protected from displacement and housing instability. Assemblymember Grace Lee’s partnership in this effort was invaluable, and I look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen housing protections for seniors and disabled New Yorkers across the state,” said Senator Brian Kavanagh, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee.