Do this today
- Keep the increase letter.
- Check whether your lease is still in term.
- Ask City of Buffalo 311 whether a local ordinance covers this address.
Does Buffalo cap rent increases?
Not as a national rule, and not as a rumor. Coverage is an address-and-housing-type question. New York State law is the book. Buffalo City Court and 311 are the local doors — not NYC HPD. Ask City of Buffalo 311. Then read New York landlord-tenant and summary-proceeding statutes for the New York floor.
What if I am still in a lease term?
A lease still in term is not the same as month-to-month. The letter in your hand may be a renewal offer, a notice, or something that does not apply yet. Keep it. Do not treat a blog percentage as the law.
Is Buffalo under NYC Housing Court or HPD?
No. Buffalo is not New York City. New York State Real Property Law is the book. Buffalo City Court hears many eviction cases. 311 is the City door. Do not call NYC HPD about a Buffalo unit.
The Buffalo layer
New York State law is the book. Buffalo City Court and 311 are the local doors — not NYC HPD.
New York landlord-tenant and summary-proceeding statutes (N.Y. Real Prop. Law Art. 7; Real Prop. Acts. and Proc. Law) is the New York floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Buffalo questions
Can my landlord in Buffalo raise the rent whenever they want?
Not while a fixed term is running, in most places — and some Buffalo units have extra local rules. New York State law is the book. Buffalo City Court and 311 are the local doors — not NYC HPD. Confirm coverage with City of Buffalo 311.
Where do I check if my building is covered?
City of Buffalo 311. Coverage is an address question. A neighbor’s building is not your building. New York landlord-tenant and summary-proceeding statutes is still the New York floor.
Is Buffalo under NYC Housing Court or HPD?
No. Buffalo is not New York City. New York State Real Property Law is the book. Buffalo City Court hears many eviction cases. 311 is the City door. Do not call NYC HPD about a Buffalo unit.
What number should I call in Buffalo?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. City of Buffalo 311 does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org