DRIE - Disability Rent Increase Exemption Program

Applications for DRIE (Disability Rent Increase Exemption Program) are now available from the NYC Department of Finance.

Tenants who are disabled and who live in rent stabilized or rent controlled apartments, Mitchell-Lama coops or rentals, limited dividend coops (like Penn South) and HPD (Division of Alternative Management Program) buildings can now apply for a rent freeze. The application is available at the Dept of Finance website or by calling 311. Applications must be submitted to:

NYC Department of Finance

DRIE Exemptions

59 Maiden Lane - 20th floor

New York, NY 10038

Qualifications

Leaseholder: Tenant must be on the lease for the rent regulated or coop (for Mitchell-Lama or DAMP or other limited equity buildings) apartment, or otherwise be entitled by law to the tenancy.

Disability: Tenant must receive eligible state or federal disability-related financial assistance:  SSI, SSDI, VA disability pension or disability compensation, or Medicaid-related disability assistance. Tenants who are disabled, but who do not receive any of these benefits, are not eligible for this program.

Income: For individuals, the household income must be less than or equal to $17,580 per year.  For couples, the income must be less than or equal to $25,212 per year. The limit is linked to the disability income levels. 

Rent: Tenants must be paying 1/3 or more of their household income for rent.

How does it work?  Similar to the SCRIE program (rent freeze for seniors), DRIE allows for a tax credit on the landlords' real property taxes equal to the amount of rent not paid by the tenant. You must complete the application and send it to the address above.  The Dept. of Finance will make a determination within 30 days.  Tenants who are denied will get 60 days to appeal.