But in July they bought after all, along with 14 other long-term renters.

IN co-ops, long-term renters are more inclined to buy their apartments if they know sponsors will not be obliged to renew their rental leases.

Meanwhile, long-term renters who sublet their apartments directly from Mr. Babad, say he has pressured them.

He does not feel chained to his apartment, as many long-term regulated renters do.

For long-term renters, homeowners sometimes discount their monthly prices as much as 50 percent from the peak summer months.

Like a lot of people who see themselves as long-term renters, the Pritchards didn't regret parting with a dime.

A typical rental is either annual or month-to-month, and the amount of rent may be different for long-term renters (because of lower turnover costs).

In buildings already converted it has produced a formidable gap between the housing costs of long-term renters and newly arrived co-op buyers.

As of 2011, the Park Service is once again looking for a long-term renter to complete the restoration of the property.

About 1,000 of the 2,000 apartments within these co-ops are still occupied by long-term renters.