Background

HISTORY

The Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program protects low-income renters aged 18 and older with disabilities in eligible housing from certain rent increases. Municipalities throughout NYS have the choice to implement the program or not. DRIE is also available in several municipalities in Nassau and Westchester counties.

In October 2005, the New York City Council established the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program through an amendment of the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) law, a program that protects low-income tenants aged 62 and older from future rent increases. In NYC, DRIE and SCRIE together are known as the NYC Rent Freeze Program. Although the SCRIE and DRIE programs are similar, they have different eligibility rules and regulations. For information on SCRIE, refer to Housing Programs and Services, SCRIE.

ADMINISTRATION

In New York City, the Department of Finance (DOF) administers the DRIE program.

Rules and regulations regarding the DRIE program are in New York City’s Administrative Code. However, the New York State Legislature must approve increases in the income eligibility guidelines before the City can implement any such increases.

In counties outside of NYC, the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) administers the DRIE program. For more information, visit https://hcr.ny.gov/disabled-persons-and-senior-citizens-special-rights.

FUNDING

DRIE is funded by the City of New York through a dollar-for-dollar property tax abatement credit (TAC) provided to landlords that makes up the difference between the amount of rent paid by the DRIE participant and the actual legal rental amount. The Department of Finance (DOF) authorizes the TAC and transfers the credit to the building owner’s property tax account.

Summary of DRIE

DRIE enables low-income tenants aged 18 or older with disabilities who live in eligible housing to receive an exemption from paying certain increases in their rent.

Applicants must be the lease holder or tenant of record, be in receipt of a disability-related government benefit, live in an eligible apartment, pay a rent amount that is more than one-third of the household income, and have a countable annual income of no more than $50,000. All DRIE applicants must apply through the NYC Department of Finance.