SUCCESSION BASICS
Taking over the rent stabilized lease in your own name.*
IN ADVANCE,
MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOUR FAMILY MEMBER(s) TO TAKE OVER THE LEASE IF YOU LEAVE:
The tenant named on the lease should list those living in the apartment too on every lease renewal. (SCRIE and DRIE tenants: those people are part of your household and their income counts toward the $50,000 annual limit.)
The tenant named on the lease should fill out DHCR Form 23.5 and send it to Stellar by certified mail, return receipt requested. (If you have already done this, you don't have to do it again unless your household composition changes.) Staple the return receipt form, once it comes back, to the copy you have kept of the Form. Give it to the family member(s) living with you who may want to take over ("succeed to") the lease if you are no longer living in the apartment.
Keep a big box or envelope in which you place copies of all documents you might need in the future to prove succession rights - such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver's license, tax returns, jury summons, etc.
