The New York City Department of Finance has agreed to a settlement that will reinstate or recalculate the previously frozen rent rates of widowed seniors who had been surprised by steep rent increases after the death of their spouses.
A 2014 rule change by the New York City Department of Finance instituted a new requirement that a spouse or disabled adult wishing to take over a Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) or Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) from a deceased head of household file an application within 60 days of the death. According to the lawsuit, households receiving the benefits were not given notice of the new rule. As a result, many recently widowed seniors were hit with alarming rent increases.
In March, a settlement was reached awarding damages and legal fees to the plaintiffs and putting an end to the 60-day deadline. The deadline for benefits takeovers is now six months after the death of the head of household or 90 days after receiving notice, whichever is later. The Finance Department also agreed to send information to tenants in seven languages. Read about SCRIE or DRIE.
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