NY has 3 levels. Rent Control, Rent Stabilized and Decontroled.
He's probably Decontrolized and landlord raised his rent based on assesment.
It's insane. Just got my assesment. NYC decided what the gross rent income is. I wish it was what they think it is whereas I only receive less than half. Now I have to fight their numbers.
Thanks for the info and sorry for your situation.