Rent-Stabilized Apartments • Tottenville, Staten Island

Rent-Stabilized Apartments in Tottenville, 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). Tottenville scores 5.3/10 on DwellCheck's livability index (#10 of 15 Staten Island neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data), with 3 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries.

Tottenville at a glance

Livability
5.3/10
Subway stations (in neighborhood)
3
Borough rank (NYC Open Data guides)
#10/15

Tottenville scores a median 5.3 composite—a middle-ground neighborhood offering few housing violations, offset by noise and limited outdoor recreation.

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

Tottenville has a specific housing profile that affects your rent-stabilized search. Its practical score is 9/10 (HPD housing violations per residential lot, higher = fewer), and the most common residential building class is one-family (60% 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 Tottenville, 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 Tottenville, Staten Island

You'll find Tottenville at Staten Island's southern edge—a neighborhood defined by waterfront access and a distinctly suburban feel, with sparse trees (85 within 200 meters on average, a tree density of 1.3/10). The area clusters around three Staten Island Railway stations (Richmond Valley, Arthur Kill, and Tottenville), anchoring commuter corridors, while parks like Long Pond Park and Fairview Park sit roughly 1.4 kilometers away on average. Houses dominate: one-family (60% of residential tax lots) and two-family (38%), meaning smaller-scale residential construction. Noise complaints are moderate at 1,079 over 12 months, suggesting either transit proximity or persistent localized issues.

Tottenville scores 5.3/10 overall on DwellCheck's livability index, ranking #10 of 15 Staten Island neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data. Rent prices in Tottenville vary widely; check specific listings for current market rates. DwellCheck lists 3 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries for Tottenville, including Richmond Valley, Arthur Kill, Tottenville.

A typical 200m circle in Tottenville holds about 85 trees in NYC Parks' tree inventory (street and park trees), a tree density of 1.3/10 on a citywide percentile scale. Largest parks in or near Tottenville: Long Pond Park, Fairview Park, Hybrid Oak Woods Park. Nearest to the neighborhood's center: Fairview Park, about 384m.

Who Tottenville is best for

Those seeking low rodent pressure

Only 16 rodent complaints on record—low per resident—which may reflect better pest management or less dense waste infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Tottenville pricing varies by block and building. Tottenville ranks #10 of 15 Staten Island neighborhoods scored from NYC Open Data on livability (5.3/10). Known for waterfront living and conference house park, Tottenville has a rental market where rent-stabilized options depend heavily on building era and management. Tottenville scores a median 5.3 composite—a middle-ground neighborhood offering few housing violations, offset by noise and limited outdoor recreation.

How much should I expect to pay in Tottenville?

Pricing in Tottenville 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 Tottenville actually a good fit for someone looking for a rent-stabilized apartment?

Depends on your priorities. Tottenville scores 9/10 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 those seeking low rodent pressure. The rent-stabilized inventory specifically depends on building stock, which you can verify address by address.

How do I get around from Tottenville?

DwellCheck lists 3 subway stations inside the neighborhood's boundaries, including Richmond Valley (SIR) and Arthur Kill (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 Tottenville?

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 Tottenville?

A typical 200m circle in Tottenville holds about 85 trees in NYC Parks' tree inventory (street and park trees), a tree density of 1.3/10 on a citywide percentile scale. Largest parks in or near Tottenville: Long Pond Park, Fairview Park, Hybrid Oak Woods Park. Nearest to the neighborhood's center: Fairview Park, about 384m. The outdoor score is 2.6/10. Green space is limited — plan on traveling for serious park time.

What is the building stock like in Tottenville?

By NYC's PLUTO tax-lot data, Tottenville's residential lots are 60% one-family, 38% two-family, 1% mixed residential/commercial (4,541 residential lots in all). Check the DOB Certificate of Occupancy for any specific building before signing.

Check a specific Tottenville 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 Tottenville address →