New York City News

Landlord Suit Forces Release of Mamdani Rent Freeze Texts as October 1 Freeze Begins

A judge ordered the release of communications between Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office and the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) after landlords sued to overturn the city’s historic rent freeze. The 0% increase for approximately 1 million rent-stabilized units took effect on October 1, 2026. While the city claims the process was independent, former RGB chair Doug Apple alleges that former First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro previously lobbied for lower rent increases, fueling landlord claims of undue influence.