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It's good to know that New York's rent-stabilization system continues to work just as marvelously as it always has (or, at least, as it has in recent years). After nearly 10 years of litigation, the New York State Court of Appeals, the state's top court, issued a ruling yesterday that effectively sets rent for Lauper and her husband at $988.56 a month. For a four-room apartment. In the Apthorp. Which is arguably New York's nicest, fanciest, and most elegant rental building.

Because why should it cost more to live there than in a studio on Orchard Street?

Girls Just Want a Bargain Apartment? Court Favors Lauper [NYT]