Rent-Stabilized Apartments • Stapleton, Staten Island
Rent-Stabilized Apartments in Stapleton, Staten Island (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). Stapleton scores 5.8/10 on DwellCheck's livability index (#6 of 15 Staten Island neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data), with 2 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries.
Stapleton at a glance
Stapleton works best if you're prioritizing affordability and walkability over commute speed, and you're comfortable with Staten Island's pace of life.
What to look for in a rent-stabilized apartment in Stapleton
Stapleton 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 one-family (56% 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 Stapleton, 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 Stapleton, Staten Island
Stapleton punches above its weight as Staten Island's cultural hub. You're getting genuine urban density here—the St. George Theatre district, a developing waterfront arts scene, and the Stapleton Esplanade create a neighborhood with actual character. The North Shore has seen real investment, and you'll find restaurants, coffee shops, and retailers clustered around Bay Street that you won't see everywhere else on the island. Yes, it's still Staten Island, but it's the version with momentum. Daily life is practical: you're near the SIR, you average 157 trees per 200m, and affordability remains a genuine advantage compared to other parts of the city. The waterfront access—Kill Van Kull views from the Esplanade—gives you something most outer-borough neighborhoods can't claim. This is where you go if you want Staten Island's affordability without sacrificing walkability or things to do.
Stapleton scores 5.8/10 overall on DwellCheck's livability index, ranking #6 of 15 Staten Island neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data. Rent prices in Stapleton vary widely; check specific listings for current market rates. DwellCheck lists 2 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries for Stapleton, including Tompkinsville, Stapleton.
A typical 200m circle in Stapleton holds about 157 trees in NYC Parks' tree inventory (street and park trees), a tree density of 4.4/10 on a citywide percentile scale. Largest parks in or near Stapleton: Stapleton Esplanade, Rev. Dr. Maggie Howard Playground, Lyons Pool. Nearest to the neighborhood's center: Tappen Park, about 101m.
Subway stations in Stapleton
Who Stapleton is best for
Stapleton's arts scene and commercial density offer cultural engagement without Brooklyn prices. The theatre district and growing waterfront development suggest neighborhood momentum.
SIR access is reliable but slow (Commute 5/10). You're trading a longer trip to Manhattan for significantly lower rent than comparable walkable neighborhoods elsewhere.
Practical score of 8/10 and 4.4/10 tree density make this appealing for daily living. The 3 nearest parks average 301m from the neighborhood's center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about finding a rent-stabilized place in Stapleton?
Stapleton pricing varies by block and building. Stapleton ranks #6 of 15 Staten Island neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data on livability (5.8/10). Known for waterfront redevelopment and historic district, Stapleton has a rental market where rent-stabilized options depend heavily on building era and management. Stapleton works best if you're prioritizing affordability and walkability over commute speed, and you're comfortable with Staten Island's pace of life.
How much should I expect to pay in Stapleton?
Pricing in Stapleton varies widely by block, building age, and floor. Staten Island is a large borough with significant rent variation — always compare at least 3-4 listings before committing.
Is Stapleton actually a good fit for someone looking for a rent-stabilized apartment?
Depends on your priorities. Stapleton scores 8/10 on practical (HPD housing violations per residential lot, higher = fewer) and 5/10 on commute (subway stations and lines inside the neighborhood). It tends to work best for culture-minded renters on a budget. The rent-stabilized inventory specifically depends on building stock, which you can verify address by address.
How do I get around from Stapleton?
DwellCheck lists 2 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries, including Tompkinsville (SIR) and Stapleton (SIR). The commute score is 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 Stapleton?
Block-by-block variation is significant — two addresses a quarter mile apart can have very different safety profiles. Staten Island averages 75.6 reported incidents per 300m radius and 0.2 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 Stapleton?
A typical 200m circle in Stapleton holds about 157 trees in NYC Parks' tree inventory (street and park trees), a tree density of 4.4/10 on a citywide percentile scale. Largest parks in or near Stapleton: Stapleton Esplanade, Rev. Dr. Maggie Howard Playground, Lyons Pool. Nearest to the neighborhood's center: Tappen Park, about 101m. The outdoor score is 6.5/10. There is some green space, though it is not the area's strongest feature.
What ZIP code covers Stapleton?
Stapleton falls in 10304 (Stapleton / Dongan Hills).
Rent-Stabilized Apartments in other Staten Island neighborhoods
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