Rent-Stabilized SIGN / Rent Transparency Act sign (Approved hpd version Jan 2026, pdf file)

Why Posting a Rent-Stabilized Sign Is Critical Under the Rent Transparency Act

The Rent Transparency Act (Intro 1037-A) fundamentally changed how New York City landlords must disclose rent-stabilization status to tenants. Beginning full enforcement in January 2026, any multiple dwelling with at least one rent-stabilized unit is required to post a mandatory notice in a conspicuous common area of the building.

This is not a “best practice” or informational posting — it is a legal requirement, enforced by NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), with civil penalties for non-compliance.

What the Rent-Stabilized Sign Must Say (Content Rules)

Based on the official HPD/DHCR notice template

Rent Transparency Act sign temp…

, the sign must clearly communicate:

• That the building contains one or more rent-stabilized units

• That tenants may verify their unit’s status with New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR)

• The DHCR phone number and website

• That owners must file annual rent registrations

• That tenants are entitled to unit-specific registration information

• A warning that owners who fail to file may be subject to penalties

• Bilingual format (English and Spanish required)

HPD publishes this notice in multiple languages for accessibility, but English and Spanish must be physically displayed on the posted sign.

Where the Rent Transparency Act Sign Must Be Posted

Location matters just as much as content.

HPD inspection guidance and long-standing NYC posting standards require that the sign be placed:

• In a conspicuous common area

• Typically in the building lobby, entrance vestibule, or near mailboxes

• At an accessible viewing height of approximately 48 to 62 inches above the floor

A sign hidden behind doors, placed inside management offices, or taped temporarily to walls is commonly cited as non-compliant during inspections.

Durability Rules: Why the Sign Must Be Framed or Rigid

Although the Rent Transparency Act focuses on information, NYC housing enforcement relies on broader posting standards that require mandatory notices to be durable and permanent.

In practice, HPD expects the sign to be:

• Made of rigid material (aluminum or thick plastic), or

• Printed on paper but fully protected inside a durable frame

Acceptable durability methods include:

• Aluminum frames

• Rigid plastic (PVC) frames

• Clear protective covers that prevent tearing, fading, or tampering

Temporary solutions such as loose paper, tape, or unprotected printouts are frequently cited during HPD inspections.

Why Aluminum or Rigid Plastic Frames Are Best

Professional landlords and property managers increasingly use aluminum or rigid plastic frames because they:

• Withstand humidity, cleaning, and daily wear

• Prevent tenant or visitor tampering

• Maintain legibility over time

• Allow quick replacement if HPD or DHCR updates language

A front-loading frame is especially important, as HPD signage language can change and owners must update postings promptly without reinstalling hardware.

Common HPD Violations Related to Rent-Stabilized Signs

HPD frequently issues violations for:

• Missing rent-stabilized notice

• Notice posted but not bilingual

• Notice damaged, faded, or illegible

• Notice not permanently mounted

• Notice placed in a non-conspicuous location

Each of these can result in civil penalties, even if the owner is otherwise in compliance with rent registration filings.

Why Buying from an Official NYC Compliance Store Matters

Not all “rent stabilization signs” sold online meet NYC-specific enforcement expectations.

Purchasing from a dedicated NYC compliance retailer like HPDSIGNS.NYC ensures that:

• The sign language matches current HPD and DHCR templates

• The format is inspection-ready

• Frame sizes align with official notice dimensions (8.5 x 11)

• Materials meet durability and permanence expectations

• Replacement inserts are available if regulations change

For landlords managing multiple buildings, using a standardized, HPD-focused source also simplifies portfolio-wide compliance.

Bottom Line for Landlords and Property Managers

Posting the Rent Transparency Act sign is not optional.

To stay compliant, owners must ensure the sign is:

1. Posted in the correct location

2. Clearly visible and accessible

3. Bilingual (English and Spanish)

4. Durable and permanently mounted

5. Updated promptly if HPD or DHCR revises requirements

Using a professional aluminum or rigid plastic frame from a trusted NYC compliance store is the safest and most inspection-ready way to meet these obligations.

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