New Yorkers are increasingly turning to a New York State government website portal to obtain information about their rental apartments, causing a surge in requests that has slowed down response times, according to an automated email from the Division of Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR).

Unprecedented Increase in Requests

The DHCR spokesperson described the surge in rent history requests as “unprecedented,” attributing it to heightened “social media activity.” This surge is likely linked to a series of viral TikTok videos encouraging New York tenants to seek information about their apartments, particularly regarding rent stabilization status and potential rent reductions from landlords.

Delayed Response Times

As a result of the influx of requests, the DHCR portal now experiences a wait time of approximately 20 days for processing inquiries. Previously, the agency aimed to provide requested information within 10 business days. However, the recent surge in demand has led to delays in response times.

Influence of Social Media

Viral TikTok videos, such as those posted by openigloo, a platform for listings and landlord reviews, have contributed significantly to the increased interest in obtaining rent history information. These videos, reaching thousands of viewers, outline the process of requesting rental history from the government and highlight cases of tenants unknowingly overcharged for rent.

Impact on Tenants

Many New Yorkers, like Diana Prendergast, have utilized the DHCR portal after learning about it through social media platforms. Prendergast, a recording artist, expressed the importance of understanding her rent history, especially considering her aspirations for future property ownership. The surge in interest reflects tenants’ concerns about rent overcharges and their desire for transparency regarding rent stabilization.

Backlog and Advocacy Efforts

The surge in rent history requests adds to the challenges faced by the DHCR, which reportedly already had a backlog of complaints in 2022. Some tenants had been waiting for years for decisions on rent overcharge complaints, highlighting the need for efficient processing of inquiries.

Community Engagement

Platforms like openigloo are actively engaging tenants to contribute to a publicly accessible map of rent-stabilized apartments in New York City. By sharing rental histories, tenants can help identify discrepancies and errors in records, furthering advocacy efforts for fair and transparent housing practices.

As New Yorkers navigate the complexities of the rental market, increased transparency and accessibility to information play crucial roles in ensuring fair treatment and empowering tenants to advocate for their rights.