Following are additional questions tenants often ask about the SCRIE Program.

Q. Who is responsible for paying the security deposit on my apartment?

A. It is the tenant's responsibility to pay the security deposit, which is one of several "non-exemptible increases" under the SCRIE Program. (Review the section on Who Can Apply? for a list of other non-exemptible charges.)

Q. Can my landlord refuse to participate in the SCRIE Program?

A. No. Tenants who apply and are eligible are legally entitled to SCRIE benefits. Landlords do not have the authority to refuse participation or to prevent a tenant from participating in the SCRIE Program.

Q. Who is responsible for paying for appliances, such as the stove, refrigerator, etc?

A. The tenant and landlord must enter into an agreement stating who will pay for replacement appliances that are normally included in an apartment. These costs are not covered by the SCRIE Program. The tenant has the option to choose used items rather than new ones. If the tenant opts for used appliances, the landlord must incur the costs. However, if the tenant wants new items, the tenant is responsible for paying the landlord at a rate of 1/40th of the total cost of the item(s) per month.

Q. I Just received my new lease what should I do?

A. If you are living in a rent stabilized apartment, you will receive a Renewal Application from SCRIE before your current lease expires. Please complete the form and attach proof of your household income and a copy of your new lease, which must be signed by you and your landlord. Return these documents to the SCRIE Office. We will then begin processing your Renewal Application.

Q. Why wasn't my rent frozen at one-third my household income?

A. The SCRIE laws require that tenants must pay at least one-third of their monthly household income for rent. But sometimes it is more. The tenant's portion of the rent is set at the legal regulated rent he or she was paying before the increase OR at one-third of the monthly income, whichever is higher.

Q. Can I also deduct medical expenses from my gross household to determine my income eligibility?

A. No, medical expenses cannot be deducted to determine your disposable or after- tax household income.

Q. I live in a Mitchell-Lama building. Am I eligible for SCRIE?

A. There is a separate SCRIE Program for tenants who live in Mitchell-Lama buildings. This program is administered by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development at 100 Gold Street, Room 5K, New York, NY 10038. For applications and information, call 212-863-8494.