How Much Money is My Case Worth?

If you are able to prove that you are being overcharged, DHCR will set the proper rent retroactively. This usually results in a refund to the tenant of whatever illegal charges you paid. Overcharged tenants are regularly awarded refunds of $100 to $500 per month going back for a couple of years.

You may also receive treble damages (three times the refund) on rents paid two years prior to the complaint if in fact the owner fails to provide any reasonable excuse for how the overcharge may have occurred. The treble damages sanction is appropriate to punish a landlord who has willfully fleeced the tenant.

A large majority of the overcharge cases handled by my office are worth $20,000 to $30,000.

Steven De Castro, Esq., represents tenants in rent overcharge cases. To find out how the statements made on this site may be applicable to your situation, call 212-964-5364.

Date: December 1, 2002. Steven De Castro © 2002, All Rights Reserved. The representations made are accurate to the best of the author's knowledge on the day of publication, but readers should note that laws and regulations constantly change and are subject to different interpretations. For legal advice applicable to your situation, see an attorney. This fact sheet expires one year after publication.