Senator Jesse Hamilton Praises Rent Freeze, Urges Further Measures to Tackle Affordability Crisis

(Brooklyn, NY) – Senator Hamilton said, “The Rent Guidelines Board's vote last night delivered a historic victory for tenants – the first rent freeze in 46 years. Any fair-minded look at the Board's research shows they reached the right conclusion, freezing rents for one-year leases and deciding on a 2% increase on two-year leases. Published in April, their 22-page study shows that tenants’ incomes have roughly remained flat or decreased, while landlords have benefited from an easing in cost rises. These facts warrant the Board's historic decision last night.”

Senator Hamilton continued, “Speaking to tenants in our communities, I know that this rent freeze comes as a welcome relief. With many tenants paying more than a third of their income in rent, even with this freeze, tenants will still bear a heavy burden. We must do more to help our communities’ low- and middle-income families ease this burden and overcome the current affordability crisis. That means action to increase the minimum wage, halt the erosion of rent regulated housing, build more affordable housing, and stop those abusive landlords who harass and intimidate tenants. Neighbors, advocates and leaders need to work together to reinforce this success and deliver the peace of mind all New Yorkers deserve.”