Hundreds of New Yorkers took to the streets on Thursday, May 7, demanding a rent freeze for more than two million rent-stabilized tenants ahead of the Rent Guidelines Board’s (RGB) preliminary vote. Protesters called for a freeze on both one-year and two-year leases, arguing that New Yorkers are facing unprecedented financial pressure from inflation, benefit cuts, and rising living costs.
Following hours of demonstrations and public pressure, the Rent Guidelines Board adopted preliminary ranges of 0–2 percent for one-year leases and 0–4 percent for two-year leases. It marked the first time in the board’s history that a rent freeze on two-year leases was formally considered. Tenant representatives went even further, proposing adjustment ranges of negative 3 to 0 percent for one-year leases and negative 4.5 to 0 percent for two-year leases.
Tenant organizers said they have spent more than a year mobilizing support for a rent freeze across the city. Before the vote, demonstrators held a press conference highlighting the financial hardships facing working-class New Yorkers and challenging landlords’ demands for higher rents. Several tenants described long-term neglect and poor living conditions in their buildings, arguing that repeated rent increases have not led to improvements in housing quality.
Labor unions across New York also joined the movement in support of a rent freeze. Members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance temporarily blocked traffic lanes during the rally to help protect demonstrators gathered near the event.
Sumathy Kumar, Director of the NYS Tenant Bloc, said, “When tenants organize and use their political power, change becomes possible. A rent freeze on both one- and two-year leases is what New Yorkers need right now.”
Joanne Grell, a leader with CASA and co-chair of the Rent Freeze Campaign, said last year’s organizing efforts proved the strength of working-class communities and that this year’s movement is even stronger.
Brooklyn resident and Met Council on Housing member Darryl Randall said repeated rent increases have become unbearable for tenants living on fixed incomes. “Every rent hike forces me to choose between necessities and paying rent,” he said.
Shelby Chen, a youth leader with CAAAV Chinatown, said rent remains the largest monthly expense for immigrant working-class families, while landlords’ profits have continued to grow significantly over the past three years.
Jen Gaboury, First Vice President of the Professional Staff Congress, said faculty members, staff, students, and retirees connected to the City University of New York all need housing stability and affordable rents to continue living in the city.
New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai said rising gas prices, grocery costs, and insurance expenses are already overwhelming working-class drivers and their families. She warned that additional rent increases would push many deeper into poverty and debt.
Tenant leaders are now urging New Yorkers to continue organizing and participating in the Rent Guidelines Board process ahead of the final vote. Protesters say the board must approve a full rent freeze for both one-year and two-year leases to provide meaningful relief for millions of residents across the city.
