Rent-Stabilized Apartments • Gravesend, Brooklyn

Rent-Stabilized Apartments in Gravesend, Brooklyn (2026)

The 2023 NYC Housing and Vacancy Survey (NYC HPD and U.S. Census Bureau, initial findings released February 2024) counted 996,600 rent-stabilized apartments, 41% of the city's rental units. The Rent Guidelines Board's maximum renewal increases are 3% for 1-year leases and 4.5% for 2-year leases beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 (RGB Order #57); 0% for 1-year leases and 0% for 2-year leases beginning October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 (RGB Order #58). Gravesend scores 7/10 on DwellCheck's livability index (#3 of 28 Brooklyn neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data), with 6 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries.

Gravesend at a glance

Livability
7/10
Subway stations (in neighborhood)
6
Borough rank (NYC Open Data guides)
#3/28

Gravesend scores 7 composite on transit and parks, though 6 shootings lower its safety verdict.

What to look for in a rent-stabilized apartment in Gravesend

Gravesend has a specific housing profile that affects your rent-stabilized search. Its practical score is 8/10 (HPD housing violations per residential lot, higher = fewer), and the most common residential building class is two-family (45% of residential tax lots in NYC's PLUTO data). 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 Gravesend, run through this verification checklist:

  • ✓Request a free DHCR rent history at hcr.ny.gov
  • ✓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 Gravesend, Brooklyn

You'll find a large residential area of two-family and one-family houses: two-family houses are 45% of residential tax lots, one-family 24% and walk-ups 22%. DwellCheck measures Gravesend over its three 2020 NTAs, Gravesend (West), Gravesend (South) and Gravesend (East)-Homecrest. Transit is strong, with six subway stations on the D, F and N: 25 Av and Bay 50 St (D), Avenue U (F, N), 86 St (N), and Avenue P and Avenue X (F). Commute scores 8.5/10. There are 17 NYC Parks properties inside it, among them McDonald Playground, Kelly Park Playground and the Old Gravesend Cemetery; Lady Moody Triangle is the nearest to the center, 414m away. On crime, Gravesend has a lower crime rate per resident than 83% of Brooklyn neighborhoods, but 6 shootings in 12 months lower DwellCheck's verdict to higher than average.

Gravesend scores 7/10 overall on DwellCheck's livability index, ranking #3 of 28 Brooklyn neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data. Rent prices in Gravesend vary widely; check specific listings for current market rates. DwellCheck lists 6 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries for Gravesend, including 25 Av, Bay 50 St, Avenue U.

A typical 200m circle in Gravesend holds about 158 trees in NYC Parks' tree inventory (street and park trees), a tree density of 4.5/10 on a citywide percentile scale. Largest parks in or near Gravesend: McDonald Playground, Kelly Park Playground, Police Officer John G. Scarangella Park. Nearest to the neighborhood's center: Lady Moody Triangle, about 414m.

Subway stations in Gravesend

25 AvDBay 50 StDAvenue UF/N86 StNAvenue PFAvenue XF

Who Gravesend is best for

Subway commuters

Commute scores 8.5/10 against a borough median of 5.5, with stations on the D, F and N.

Families in houses

Two-family (45%) and one-family (24%) houses lead the residential tax lots, and Practical scores 8/10 against a borough median of 7.5.

People who want parks nearby

Outdoor scores 6.5/10 against a Brooklyn median of 5.9, with 17 NYC Parks properties inside the neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about finding a rent-stabilized place in Gravesend?

Gravesend pricing varies by block and building. Gravesend ranks #3 of 28 Brooklyn neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data on livability (7/10). Known for colonial-era town square and kings highway shopping, Gravesend has a rental market where rent-stabilized options depend heavily on building era and management. Gravesend scores 7 composite on transit and parks, though 6 shootings lower its safety verdict.

How much should I expect to pay in Gravesend?

Pricing in Gravesend varies widely by block, building age, and floor. Brooklyn is a large borough with significant rent variation — always compare at least 3-4 listings before committing.

Is Gravesend actually a good fit for someone looking for a rent-stabilized apartment?

Depends on your priorities. Gravesend scores 8/10 on practical (HPD housing violations per residential lot, higher = fewer) and 8.5/10 on commute (subway stations and lines inside the neighborhood). It tends to work best for subway commuters. The rent-stabilized inventory specifically depends on building stock, which you can verify address by address.

How do I get around from Gravesend?

DwellCheck lists 6 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries, including 25 Av (D) and Bay 50 St (D). The commute score is 8.5/10 (subway stations and lines inside the neighborhood); it is not a travel time, so check the trip to your own destination.

What about safety in Gravesend?

Block-by-block variation is significant — two addresses a quarter mile apart can have very different safety profiles. Brooklyn averages 321.2 reported incidents per 300m radius and 1.2 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 Gravesend?

A typical 200m circle in Gravesend holds about 158 trees in NYC Parks' tree inventory (street and park trees), a tree density of 4.5/10 on a citywide percentile scale. Largest parks in or near Gravesend: McDonald Playground, Kelly Park Playground, Police Officer John G. Scarangella Park. Nearest to the neighborhood's center: Lady Moody Triangle, about 414m. The outdoor score is 6.5/10. There is some green space, though it is not the area's strongest feature.

What is the building stock like in Gravesend?

By NYC's PLUTO tax-lot data, Gravesend's residential lots are 45% two-family, 24% one-family, 22% walk-up apartments (14,911 residential lots in all). Check the DOB Certificate of Occupancy for any specific building before signing.

Check a specific Gravesend 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.

Check a Gravesend address →