Board OKs hikes for rent-stabilized apartments in Westchester

Costs are going up for thousands living in rent-stabilized apartments in Westchester.
The Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board unanimously approved hikes of up to 2 percent for year leases and 3 percent for two-year leases.
The change will impact those living in about 25,000 rent-stabilized apartments.
Landlords say they need the rent increases to offset rising costs of maintenance and property taxes. Landlords actually asked for a higher rent increase before coming to a compromise.
The new guidelines will take effect for leases that are renewed after Oct. 1.
The increase comes after Rockland County's Rent Guidelines Board voted to impose a rent freeze.