✅ Failure to register unit with rent control board
✅ Improper decontrol of stabilized unit
✅ Charging for improvements never made (phantom renovations)
✅ Illegal fees and surcharges
✅ Preferential rent violations
Statutory Penalties: NYC allows treble damages (3x overcharge) for rent overcharges. California allows penalties up to 3x rent plus $1,000-$5,000 per violation. Many rent control jurisdictions have severe penalties.
Your Demand Letter
Next Steps: Send via certified mail. File complaint with local rent control board. Consider consulting a tenant rights attorney - many work on contingency for rent overcharge cases with treble damages available.