Rent-Stabilized Apartments • Tottenville, Staten Island
Rent-Stabilized Apartments in Tottenville, Staten Island (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 Tottenville specifically, the market is competitive but manageable — with 3 subway stations nearby.
Tottenville at a glance
Tottenville scores a median 6.1 composite—a middle-ground neighborhood offering practical access and exceptional greenery offset by noise, rising crime, and limited outdoor recreation beyond parks.
What to look for in a rent-stabilized apartment in Tottenville
Tottenville has a specific housing profile that affects your rent-stabilized search. The practical infrastructure is strong, 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 Tottenville, 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 Tottenville, Staten Island
You'll find Tottenville at Staten Island's southern edge—a neighborhood defined by dense tree canopy (averaging 40 trees within 200 meters, with a canopy density of 9.5/10) and waterfront access that gives it a distinctly suburban feel. The area clusters around three Staten Island Railway stations (Richmond Valley, Arthur Kill, and Tottenville), anchoring commuter corridors, while parks like Conference House Park and Long Pond Park sit within roughly 1.4 kilometers of most addresses. Walk-ups dominate the building stock—100% of tracked structures—meaning you're looking at older, smaller-scale residential construction. Street life is quieter than central Staten Island, but noise complaints remain very high at 1,270 over 12 months, suggesting either transit proximity or persistent localized issues.
Tottenville scores 6.1/10 overall on DwellCheck's livability index, ranking #5 of 15 in Staten Island. Rent prices in Tottenville vary widely; check specific listings for current market rates. Tottenville has 3 subway stations within walking distance: Richmond Valley, Arthur Kill, Tottenville.
Tottenville averages 40 trees within 200m of each address, with a canopy density score of 9.5/10. Nearest major parks: Long Pond Park, Fairview Park, Hybrid Oak Woods Park (avg 1398m away).
Subway stations near Tottenville
Who Tottenville is best for
Practical score of 9 (versus borough median of 5.5) reflects reliable transit infrastructure and walkable essentials, despite a commute score of 5—you get direct SIR service but longer travel times to Manhattan
ART/Livability score of 6.8 (above borough median of 5) and exceptional tree coverage make this appealing for those valuing outdoor amenities and greenery without premium pricing
Only 15 rodent complaints on record—markedly low for the borough—indicating 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 #5/15 in Staten Island on livability (6.1/10). 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 6.1 composite—a middle-ground neighborhood offering practical access and exceptional greenery offset by noise, rising crime, and limited outdoor recreation beyond parks.
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 livability and 5/10 on commute access. It tends to work best for commuters prioritizing practical access. The rent-stabilized inventory specifically depends on building stock, which you can verify address by address.
How do I get around from Tottenville?
You have 3 subway stations within walking distance. The closest are Richmond Valley (SIR) and Arthur Kill (SIR). Commute times to Manhattan are moderate.
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 100 reported incidents per 300m radius and 0.5 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?
Tottenville averages 40 trees within 200m of each address, with Long Pond Park about 1398m away. The outdoor score is 2/10. Green space is limited — plan on traveling for serious park time.
What is the building stock like in Tottenville?
Tottenville has a mix of building types typical for Staten Island. Single-family homes and some apartment buildings make up the housing stock. Check the DOB Certificate of Occupancy for any specific building before signing.
Rent-Stabilized Apartments in other Staten Island neighborhoods
Check a specific Tottenville address
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