Gov lives in rent-stabilized flat for $1,250

May 16, 2008 07:33AM
Gov. David Paterson

Gov. David Paterson lives in a rent-stabilized apartment in Harlem, where he pays less than half of the market rate of $2,600 per month, the Sun reports. Paterson lives at Lenox Terrace, which features 24-hour doorman service. Paterson and his wife, Michelle, made about $270,000 last year and own a home upstate in Guilderland. Frank Ricci, director of government affairs for the Rent Stabilization Association, which represents building owners, said that upper-income New Yorkers shouldn't benefit from rent protections. Paterson defended his $1,250 monthly rent, saying it "is within the spirit of the law." Tenants who earn more than an average of $175,000 for two years lose rent protections, but only if their rent tops $2,000 a month.  [Sun]


Comments

Anonymous

Ricci, Work to change the law, if you don't like it. Don't begrudge someone's luck or smarts for finding a cheap apartment in this town!

Comment #1 Posted By: Anonymous 05/16/08

Anonymous

Maybe its time to bring back broader rent stabilization laws; if a couple earning $275k needs to live in a rent stabilized apartment, what are people earning $50k suppose to do as more and more apartments become market rate.

Comment #2 Posted By: Anonymous 05/16/08

Anonymous

I believe the final assumption is untrue: your landlord can challenge you to provide verification of your income if it is suspected you make over the limit. At that point, whether or not your rent is at, below or above $2/mo, the landlord may begin eviction proceedings if your income is verified. Sounds like his landlord doesn't want to get on the bad side of the Harlem Political Club by beginning proceedings against the Gov.

Comment #3 Posted By: Anonymous 05/16/08

Anonymous

Maybe the Gov thinks it's 12,500 when he pays his rent.

Comment #4 Posted By: Anonymous 05/19/08

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