I’ve been in my rent-stabilized building in NYC for 13 years, and they recently sent a new document to sign, including a $70/month fee for digital door locks. I haven’t signed it yet. Do I really have to pay this extra fee?
Wait, a fee just for digital locks? That sounds sketchy. Pretty sure they can’t add new charges like that if you’re rent-stabilized.
Peyton said:
Wait, a fee just for digital locks? That sounds sketchy. Pretty sure they can’t add new charges like that if you’re rent-stabilized.
Yeah, I was thinking the same. I didn’t see anything about this in my original lease either.
Peyton said:
Wait, a fee just for digital locks? That sounds sketchy. Pretty sure they can’t add new charges like that if you’re rent-stabilized.
Agreed, digital locks don’t seem like an ‘essential’ service, so charging extra for it is weird.
IDK, my building did the same thing with a fee for a new gym, but that was optional. Yours seems like they want everyone to pay?
MegWhitgal said:
IDK, my building did the same thing with a fee for a new gym, but that was optional. Yours seems like they want everyone to pay?
Yep, seems like they’re making it mandatory. It was bundled with standard stuff like insurance and window guards.
MegWhitgal said:
IDK, my building did the same thing with a fee for a new gym, but that was optional. Yours seems like they want everyone to pay?
Technically, they can’t just add new fees like that in rent-stabilized housing unless it’s something major.
If they didn’t include that fee in your lease or renewal, you probably don’t have to agree to it. Check with the DHCR for sure!
Scout said:
If they didn’t include that fee in your lease or renewal, you probably don’t have to agree to it. Check with the DHCR for sure!
Good idea, I’ll reach out to DHCR and see what they say about it.
Scout said:
If they didn’t include that fee in your lease or renewal, you probably don’t have to agree to it. Check with the DHCR for sure!
Let us know what they say! This could help others dealing with similar stuff.
I’ve heard about these ‘technology fees’ popping up, but most of the time they’re optional. If they insist, definitely question it.
Chen said:
I’ve heard about these ‘technology fees’ popping up, but most of the time they’re optional. If they insist, definitely question it.
For sure, I’m gonna push back on it. It’s not like I asked for digital locks!
Check if it’s considered a Major Capital Improvement (MCI). Sometimes landlords can pass those costs on, but it has to be approved.
Shane said:
Check if it’s considered a Major Capital Improvement (MCI). Sometimes landlords can pass those costs on, but it has to be approved.
Oh, hadn’t thought of that! I’ll definitely look into it to make sure.
Shane said:
Check if it’s considered a Major Capital Improvement (MCI). Sometimes landlords can pass those costs on, but it has to be approved.
MCIs need strict approval, so they can’t just add random fees without following rules. DHCR could help explain it.