Rate of Vacant Stabilized Apartments on the Rise After Pandemic-Era Spike

The vacancy rate for rent-stabilized apartments in the city increased from 3.7% in 2016 to 5.6% in 2025, with a spike to 7% in 2021 during the pandemic. The data, obtained via a FOIL request, shows rising vacancies in most boroughs except Manhattan, though the reasons for vacancies remain unclear. Analysts suggest factors like post-eviction moratorium court cases and landlord financial struggles may contribute.