NEW YORK, NY May 05, 2008 —A preliminary vote takes place tonight on landlords' request to raise the rate on rent-regulated apartments by 15 percent.

The Rent Guidelines Board meets at Cooper Union's Great Hall, starting at 5:30, for the preliminary vote.

Landlords say they need the rent increase to deal with rising energy costs. Tenants disagree, saying utility prices may have ballooned, but so have landlords' profits.

The final vote will take place next month.