The rent increase exemption generally becomes effective the first day of the month after the SCRIE Office receives your application. However, the actual effective dates on your exemption will be reflected on the Approval Order you receive from DFTA.

Until you receive this notice, you are required to pay the full rent without exemption. After receiving the Approval Order, your landlord must adjust your rent accordingly, including any retroactive adjustments.

If you have already paid your full rent for any period within the effective dates of the Approval Order, your landlord must make arrangements to repay you the portion covered by your exemption.

If you are living in a rent controlled apartment and you submit your application within three months of the date your landlord issued the rent increase, your exemption may be effective on the date of the increase. However, remember that you must continue to pay the full rent until you and your landlord receive an Approval Order.