Tenant organizations in New York City are once again mobilizing for a major protest demanding a rent freeze. On Thursday, May 7, hundreds of New Yorkers are expected to rally ahead of the preliminary vote of the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB), calling for a halt to rent increases. The demand is seen as crucial for nearly 2 million rent-stabilized residents
across the city.
Organizers say the demonstration comes at a time when last year’s tenant movement saw around one million New Yorkers support a rent freeze. The demand is also considered a key part of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s housing affordability agenda.
A press conference is scheduled for 5 p.m. as part of the program, where leaders from various housing advocacy groups will speak. Participating organizations include Tenant Bloc, CAAAV: Organizing Asian Communities, Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA), and Met Council on Housing. Labor unions and elected officials are also expected to attend.
Organizers argue that freezing rents for both one- and two-year leases is essential, as residents are facing severe financial pressure. They describe the proposal as unprecedented but necessary given the current affordability crisis.
Background data shows that under the previous administration, rents were increased for four consecutive years, rising by more than 12 percent in total. During the same period, net operating income for rent-stabilized landlords grew by about 30 percent. Meanwhile, half of the tenants are struggling to make ends meet, and nearly two-thirds have no emergency savings. Evictions in 2025 also rose by approximately 12 percent.
Studies indicate that despite rent increases, there has been little improvement in housing conditions. Critics argue that many landlords are using rental income to service debt or invest in new properties instead of maintaining existing buildings.
In this context, the demand for a rent freeze has gained momentum.
According to one analysis, such a measure could save New Yorkers up to $7 billion annually—roughly $600 per month on average.
Notably, around 70 percent of New York City residents are renters, many of whom are low-income. Rent stabilization policies were originally designed to protect this population. However, real estate groups have long pushed for changes to these regulations.
Tenant organizations say they are determined to defend and restore the policy’s original purpose—ensuring that ordinary New Yorkers can afford to remain in their homes.
