Now that a New York state law affecting rent stabilized apartments has expired, lawmakers are amping up warnings to city landlords, telling them tenant harassment won't be tolerated. But landlords call those comments a cheap shot against their industry.

"This is just an opportunity for political leaders to harp on the worst stereotypes of property owners, instead of urging calm," said Mitchell Posilkin, general counsel for the Rent Stabilization Association, a lobby group comprised of 25,000 owners and agents who own approximately 1 million apartments.

State lawmakers failed to reach a deal on extending rent regulations before Monday's midnight deadline. The laws cover more than two million tenants in and around New York City.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent a warning letter to landlords on Sunday, telling them not to take advantage of tenants if the laws do, in fact, expire. He said landlords are bound by current leases.

"Everyone agrees that stabilized leases continue in effect, all tenant protections continue, and no one is subject to getting forced out onto the street," said Posilkin.

Some landlords could try to rent vacant apartments in rent stabilized buildings at market rate rents; though they might end up facing litigation.

The RSA is advising building owners to operate under the assumption that rent laws are continuing, and that new rent laws will be retroactive, as they were in prior years when regulations were allowed to lapse due to inaction in Albany.

The city is urging any rent stabilized tenant with questions to call 311.

Lawmakers and Cuomo continue to work toward a deal to renew the law. Senate Republicans want to ensure tenants in rent-regulated apartments meet income requirements. Assembly Democrats want stronger tenant protections.

Lawmakers hope to agree on a deal before adjourning their 2015 session later this week.