Zohran Mamdani Proposes 4-Year Rent Freeze Amid Crisis

Zohran Mamdani speaks at mayoral primary debate

New York mayoral candidate and democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has put forward a bold proposal to implement a four-year rent freeze for more than 2 million residents living in rent-regulated housing. The plan is designed to provide financial relief, with supporters claiming it could save tenants billions in rent over time. Mamdani’s proposal aims to address the growing affordability crisis and ease the economic burdens faced by low-income New Yorkers.

Condominium building, formerly planned as apartments

Tenant Coalition Leader Cea Weaver said, “The other things a mayor can do are important but the size and scale of what this will mean is extraordinary.” She added, “Amongst low-income New Yorkers — people who are earning below 50 percent of area median income — they are more likely to live in rent-stabilized housing than any other type of housing.”

Interior view of Aviator one-bedroom model

Landlord groups and housing experts have warned that previous state reforms have limited landlords’ ability to raise rents, restricting increases to those approved annually by the Rent Guidelines Board.

Rental house available on Fulton Road NW

NYU Furman Center Senior Policy Fellow Mark Willis said, “Post-2019 it’s a new world, and this new world all but guarantees that rent increases won’t be sufficient for buildings primarily reliant on revenue from rent-stabilized units.”

Mamdani joins union rally supporting UAW strike

Mamdani has set himself apart by backing the rent freeze, unlike his opponents. He advocated for using new tools to ease living costs, questioning landlords' financial concerns.

New homes under construction in Seaside Heights

New York Apartment Association Executive Director Kenny Burgos said, “At this current moment I am not seeing any clear path or indication that there is an ability to elect someone other than Mamdani, and therefore we’re operating on that premise and moving forward.”

Zohran Mamdani at the 2025 NYC Pride March

New York’s housing crisis has deepened, with rental vacancy rates at a 50-year low and many relying on city shelters. Landlords claimed rising maintenance costs have made RGB-approved rent hikes insufficient.

Mayor Eric Adams discusses future of Penn Station

Mayor Eric Adams opposes a rent freeze, citing increased building maintenance costs. His administration has strong support from real estate industry leaders.

Jennifer White covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.