Rent-stabilization bill considered

Though the annual circus surrounding the Rent Guidelines Board hearings has passed–and rent-stabilized tenants will, as expected, face hikes when it comes time to renew their leases–changes to the status quo are worming their way through the Legislature. Governor Eliot Spitzer has sponsored a bill that may tip the balance of power toward tenants. The bill seeks to raise the point at which apartments can be taken out of rent-stabilization from $2,000 to $2,800. Last month, the measure sailed through the Assembly, but its prospects in the Senate are unclear. more By Marc Ferris