President's Message

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RSA President, Joseph Strasburg

The Importance of RSA Membership

With RSA membership bills in the mail, this is a good time to review why it is essential for all your buildings to be RSA members.

The RSA is the largest and most important advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the economic interests and rights of residential property owners and managers in NYC. Despite the effects of the recent economic crisis, the rental housing industry in New York City is in a relatively good position as a direct result of the actions of the RSA.

Historically, rent stabilized rents have fallen significantly below market rents. Currently, however, many stabilized rents outside of Manhattan are actually higher than market rents while many Manhattan buildings have been able to achieve market rents. These market rents would not have been achieved were it not for the efforts of the RSA. Let me explain.
First of all, the RSA lobbies each year for reasonable renewal guideline increases which have included thirteen years in which additional dollar amounts were collectable for low rent apartments. Perhaps even more significant have been the legislative changes achieved in Albany.

In 1997 the RSA was able to obtain a 20% statutory vacancy allowance in Albany, along with provisions which deregulated certain high-rent, high-income apartments. Subsequently, the RSA was able to maneuver an amendment to allow preferential rents to be terminated at the commencement of a renewal lease. These changes have had a significant effect on moving stabilized rents to market levels.

In 2011, the RSA had another successful year in its lobbying efforts. We were able to hold on to the gains we had achieved since 1993 despite an extremely hostile political environment. There were some changes in the deregulation and individual apartment improvement provisions. But we were able to fend off many very harmful bills as a result of a one seat Republican majority in the State Senate.

These harmful bills included the potential calamity of the repeal of the Urstadt Law which would have given control of the rent laws to the New York City Council. Another proposal would have required DHCR approval of individual apartment improvements, potentially keeping apartments out of the rental market for months.

Despite our success, the danger of over-regulation persists. We have a self-professed pro-tenant Governor, an unassailable pro-tenant majority in the State Assembly and a Republican majority in the Senate that is holding on by its teeth. If for no other reason, your membership in the RSA is essential to help maintain and expand the Republican majority in the Senate. That is the only way to protect the interests of the City’s residential property owners.

Those owners who have been able to achieve market rents and greater economic viability for their properties must remain vigilant and on guard. Because of the volatile nature of New York politics, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain a rational discussion about residential property rights and interests. Without your support, it will be increasingly difficult to maintain the gains we have achieved.

The scope of RSA advocacy efforts extend beyond rent regulation to issues that affect all residential buildings. RSA efforts have resulted in modified legislation such as eliminating retrofitting from the benchmarking legislation. Most recently, RSA efforts led to legislation authorizing reimbursement for the cost of replacing CO alarms. Of course, the RSA has strenuously advocated lower real estate taxes and water and sewer charges. That is why so many coop and condo buildings, as well 3,4,5-unit buildings, are RSA members.

There are, however, other reasons to maintain your membership in the RSA. The RSA is a service organization as well as an advocacy organization and many of our members find our services to be essential.

First and foremost, the RSA provides its members with the information necessary to operate residential properties in what is perhaps the most regulated market in the country. Through our newsletters, website, emails, seminars and housing advisors, RSA members have access to the most up-to-date and expert knowledge available.

Many members also rely on the compliance services provided by the RSA including several annual requirements such as rent registration, window guard, lead paint and fire safety notifications, as well as lease renewal services.

RSA’s large membership also enables us to provide discounts on group purchasing programs such as for heating oil, natural gas, property and liability insurance, and tenant credit checks among other services including, most recently, CO alarms.

Whether you are an owner or manager, whether your properties are small or large, rental or cooperatives, you will find that the RSA is there to protect your interests. Think of RSA membership as an inexpensive insurance policy for your property rights and interests and you will sleep better at night.