In a vote that has stirred both outrage and support across New York City, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) has approved rent hikes of 3% for one-year leases and 4.5% for two-year leases on rent-stabilized apartments, affecting nearly two million tenants. The change is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
This decision comes amid a turbulent political climate, a historic affordability crisis, and a growing divide between the needs of tenants and the demands of landlords.
Source: La Voce di New York – Two Million New Yorkers in Rent‑Stabilized Apartments Hit with 4.5 % Increase
What Are Rent-Stabilized Apartments?
Rent-stabilized units are apartments where rent increases are regulated by the city to ensure affordability for working-class New Yorkers. They make up about one-third of the city’s rental housing stock and are a crucial safety net in a market where average asking rents often exceed $3,000/month.
Reactions from All Sides
Tenant Advocates: “It’s a Rent Hike, Not a Compromise”
Tenant groups and housing advocates are calling the vote a betrayal, especially in a year where inflation, food costs, and utilities are already straining working families. Many argue that:
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These increases push tenants closer to eviction or displacement.
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The RGB ignored tenants’ call for a rent freeze, despite mounting economic pressure.
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Mayor Eric Adams, who appointed several members of the board, failed to deliver on his pledge to protect vulnerable renters.
Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, who recently gained traction with a campaign centered on housing affordability, condemned the increase as “the outcome of a mayor aligned with real estate interests.”
Landlord Advocates: “We’re Struggling Too”
Meanwhile, landlord associations argue that rent increases are necessary to:
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Cover rising property taxes, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs.
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Preserve aging housing stock that requires constant investment.
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Offset inflation and labor shortages in the building maintenance industry.
They maintain that failure to raise rents could lead to deterioration of building conditions and reduced services for tenants.
The Numbers Behind the Decision
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Rent increase (2025):
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One-year leases: +3%
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Two-year leases: +4.5%
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Past trend:
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This marks the fourth consecutive rent increase during Mayor Eric Adams’s term.
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Total increase under Adams: 12%
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Total increase under former Mayor de Blasio (8 years): 6%
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Landlord Finances (RGB Report):
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Operating costs: +6.3%
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Net Operating Income: +8%, after adjusting for inflation
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Tenant wages: Remain largely flat
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Political Fallout: A Tale of Two Visions
The RGB vote has added fuel to an already contentious mayoral race. On one side, Zohran Mamdani and a growing progressive movement are calling for a complete rent freeze on stabilized apartments. On the other, Mayor Eric Adams argues that sustainable rent increases are essential to prevent building neglect.
Adams expressed “disappointment” with the RGB’s decision, stating it exceeded what he recommended, but critics see this as a political move to distance himself from tenant backlash while still appeasing property owners.
What’s Next for NYC Renters?
This rent hike is more than just numbers it’s a sign of deep systemic tension in how New York City balances:
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Affordable housing access
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Landlord solvency
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Political power dynamics
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Urban sustainability
For many tenants, especially those on fixed incomes or working low-wage jobs, this increase could mean the difference between staying in place or being pushed out of the city altogether.
Tenant advocates are now pushing for:
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A citywide rent freeze for 2026
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Expansion of legal protections for low-income renters
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Greater transparency in how RGB board members are selected
Key Takeaways for Renters
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Know your lease renewal date: The increase applies only to renewals starting October 1, 2025.
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Legal services: If you believe your landlord is raising rent unlawfully, seek free legal aid or call 311.
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Explore available relief: NYC’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and other housing subsidies may offer support.
Final Thoughts
This latest rent hike symbolizes a larger question about what kind of city New York wants to be. Is it one where long-term tenants have stability and protection? Or one where economic pressures slowly reshape the population?
As the 2025 mayoral election heats up, expect housing to remain at the forefront of the debate with millions of New Yorkers caught in the middle.
Source: La Voce di New York – Two Million New Yorkers in Rent‑Stabilized Apartments Hit with 4.5% Increase