City officials, and some landlords, for instance, contend that at least one of the office sites could be used for residential development instead, given the high vacancy rate downtown.

Current laws place strict limits on rent increases for vacated units, but landlords contend those restrictions must be lifted to end huge price disparities in the market.

In a recent 13-month period, her landlord contends, she slept there all of seven nights.

But some landlords contend that the survey is the first clear demonstration that only Manhattan is truly affected by rent protections.

My landlord contends the balcony is not part of the apartment and is seeking to charge more money for its use.

But landlords and owners have long contended that opponents of rent deregulation are overlooking an important factor when they present such theories.

The landlords in San Jose contend that they are being forced to subsidize low-income tenants.

But landlords, who filed the original suit to change the formula, contend that the city has no authority over the issue.

Indeed, some landlords in Manhattan contend that all the griping about rubber rulers misses the point.

"The landlord contended that the mother's occupancy was an illegal sublet because the tenant had moved out of the apartment," Mr. Ferrara said.