NYC Rent Guidelines Board to vote possible rent freeze, rally planned

New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board is set to vote Thursday on whether to freeze rents for nearly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments, continuing a heated affordability debate. The possible rent freeze reflects a campaign promise by mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, while landlords argue that stopping rent increases would reduce their ability to maintain buildings. The board’s later Thursday final vote will determine whether rents rise or remain frozen for more than 1 million rent-stabilized units across the city. If approved, the board’s rent increase ranges discussed are 0% to 2% for one-year leases and 0% to 4% for two-year leases. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday night at El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem, with tenant leaders and housing advocacy groups expected to rally. The board has nine members, including six appointed by the mayor.