▌What happened

On June 22, the Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board approved adjustments of 3.5% for one-year leases and 4.5% for two-year leases on rent-stabilized apartments, taking effect October 1, 2026. The guideline applies to units covered by the state’s Emergency Tenant Protection Act in the Westchester municipalities that have adopted it.

The increase marks a clear step up from the lower adjustments of recent years. Owner advocates called it a more realistic read of the cost pressures landlords face, while noting those pressures have not eased.

▌Costs are still winning

The higher guideline lands below inflation, and well below the pace of the expenses owners are absorbing.

▌What it means for owners

The bump is welcome and the largest in years, but it does not close the gap. With insurance up double digits and fuel, utilities, and financing all climbing faster than 3.5%, net operating income on stabilized Westchester buildings stays under pressure, especially in older stock facing capital and compliance demands. A new state Lead Rental Registry requirement adds cost this year.

For investors, the read is relative. Westchester’s stabilized assets now carry more rent flexibility than New York City’s frozen stock next door, which may draw capital looking for regulated product with room to move. The county’s persistent housing shortage supports demand underneath it all.