On Monday evening, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) in New York City voted to approve a 2.75% increase in rent for approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments in the city starting from the fall.
The board, comprised of nine members, voted in favor of a 2.75% increase for one-year leases and a 5.25% increase for two-year leases. The rent hike will take effect for rent-stabilized leases signed after October 1.
Last year, the board approved a 3% increase for one-year leases and a 2.75% increase for the first year and 3.2% increase for the second year of two-year leases.
This decision has been met with criticism from both tenants and landlords.
Landlords feel that the increase is too small. The Rent Stabilization Association (RSA), representing landlords, criticized the decision on X platform, stating, “It is heartbreaking that the RGB did not follow its own data – these data clearly support the need for higher rent adjustments to offset skyrocketing property taxes and insurance costs, as well as the expensive renovations and maintenance required for aging rent-stabilized buildings.”
Tenants, on the other hand, are dissatisfied. Many tenants marched outside Hunter College’s auditorium where the board meeting took place. Their reason being that the inflation in New York City makes it unbearable for them to afford another rent increase.
In a video posted on the X platform by the tenant organization “Housing Justice For All,” protesters can be seen holding signs that say “0% increase” and “freeze rent,” chanting slogans like “Tenants unite.”
Members of the Rent Guidelines Board are appointed by the mayor, so their voting results often reflect the mayor’s wishes. Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the board previously voted to increase rent by 3.25% in 2022 and by 3% for new one-year leases in 2023.
During the eight-year tenure of former Mayor Blasio, the board froze rent three times and approved increases that did not exceed 1.5%.