Rent-Stabilized Apartments • Melrose, Bronx
Rent-Stabilized Apartments in Melrose, Bronx (2026)
About 1 million NYC apartments are rent stabilized under a program limiting annual rent increases. For leases beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, the maximum increase is 2.75% for 1-year leases and 5.25% for 2-year leases. In Melrose specifically, the market is competitive but manageable — with 3 subway stations nearby.
Melrose at a glance
Melrose offers a distinctive living experience in Bronx.
What to look for in a rent-stabilized apartment in Melrose
Melrose has a specific housing profile that affects your rent-stabilized search. The area has decent practical bones, and the building stock includes budget-friendly options. These are the considerations that matter most here:
- •Buildings with 6+ units built before 1974 are commonly stabilized
- •J-51 and 421-a tax abatements create newer rent-stabilized units
- •Preferential rent is locked in for your entire tenancy under HSTPA 2019
- •DHCR rent history is the only authoritative source for verification
- •Stabilized tenants have guaranteed lease renewal rights
How to verify a rent-stabilized listing
Listings often over-promise on amenities. Before you sign a lease for a claimed rent-stabilized apartment in Melrose, run through this verification checklist:
- ✓Request a DHCR rent history for free at hcr.ny.gov (2-4 week turnaround)
- ✓Check for a rent stabilization rider in your lease — required by law
- ✓Verify the building was built before 1974 via NYC Open Data PLUTO records
- ✓Look up J-51 or 421-a status on NYC Department of Finance property records
- ✓Ask the landlord directly and get the answer in writing
Want a deeper dive? Read our full Is My NYC Apartment Rent Stabilized? guide.
About Melrose, Bronx
Melrose is a neighborhood in Bronx with its own distinct character and community.
Melrose scores 5.3/10 overall on DwellCheck's livability index, ranking #14 of 23 in Bronx. Rent prices in Melrose vary widely; check specific listings for current market rates. Melrose has 3 subway stations within walking distance: Prospect Av, Jackson Av, 3 Av-149 St.
Melrose averages 125 trees within 200m of each address, with a canopy density score of 9.5/10. Nearest major parks: Fountain Of Youth Playground, Grove Hill Playground, P.S. 29 Ballfield (avg 269m away).
Subway stations near Melrose
Who Melrose is best for
A neighborhood worth exploring for its unique qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about finding a rent-stabilized place in Melrose?
Melrose pricing varies by block and building. Melrose ranks #14/23 in Bronx on livability (5.3/10). Known for melrose commons and puerto rican heritage, Melrose has a rental market where rent-stabilized options depend heavily on building era and management. Melrose offers a distinctive living experience in Bronx.
How much should I expect to pay in Melrose?
Pricing in Melrose varies widely by block, building age, and floor. Bronx is a large borough with significant rent variation — always compare at least 3-4 listings before committing.
Is Melrose actually a good fit for someone looking for a rent-stabilized apartment?
Depends on your priorities. Melrose scores 5/10 on practical livability and 5.5/10 on commute access. It tends to work best for nyc newcomers. The rent-stabilized inventory specifically depends on building stock, which you can verify address by address.
How do I get around from Melrose?
You have 3 subway stations within walking distance. The closest are Prospect Av (2/5) and Jackson Av (2/5). Commute times to Manhattan are moderate.
What about safety in Melrose?
Block-by-block variation is significant — two addresses a quarter mile apart can have very different safety profiles. Bronx averages 260 reported incidents per 300m radius and 3 shooting incidents per 500m. The only way to know for a specific address is to check the NYPD data within a walking radius.
Are there parks or green space near Melrose?
Melrose averages 125 trees within 200m of each address, with Fountain Of Youth Playground about 269m away. The outdoor score is 6.1/10. There is some green space, though it is not the area's strongest feature.
What ZIP code covers Melrose?
Melrose falls in 10451 (Mott Haven / Melrose).
Rent-Stabilized Apartments in other Bronx neighborhoods
Check a specific Melrose address
Neighborhood averages are a starting point. Every NYC apartment building has unique violations, complaint history, and livability characteristics. Enter any address for a block-level analysis.
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