Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, is one of the most powerful politicians in Washington. Rangel represents the Harlem area in New York. Traditionally, this has been a poorer, heavily populated African-American district. Many of the apartments are rent stabilized. As Harlem has grown more affluent from outsiders moving in, pressure has grown to relax the rent-controlled apartments. Increasingly, it is difficult for residents to find inexpensive housing.

Congressman Rangel does not appear to have that problem, however. Rangel rents four apartments in upper Manhattan owned by the Olnick Organization, one of the major real estate developers in New York City. The Olnick Organization has been criticized in the past for opportunistically evicting residents from rent-stabilized apartments and converting the apartments to market prices.

Three of Rangel’s apartments are adjacent to each other on the 16^th floor. The other is on the 10^th floor and is used by Rangel as an office. Although state law does not bar someone from having more than one rent-stabilized apartment, it is extremely rare for someone to have more than two. Housing experts state they do not know of any other person who has been able to procure as many as four apartments at below market rental prices.

The fourth apartment is particularly troubling because it is used as an office and rent stabilization is meant for residences. Financial disclosure records reveal that Rangel paid $3,894 per month for the apartments in 2007. The apartments are located at the Lenox Terrace, considered the most affluent area in Harlem. Housing experts say this is half the market rate for apartments in that locale.

Rangel is not alone in his fortunate financial deal. New York Governor David Patterson and his father live in separate rent-stabilized apartments at Lenox Terrace as well.

Some question if Rangel is not violating Congressional ethic laws by possessing multiple below market priced apartments.

When questioned about the apartments, Rangel tersely responded, “Why should I help you embarrass me?” He then refused any further comments.