Mamdani’s NYC rent freeze sparks lawsuits and landlord pushback

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rent freeze, approved by the Rent Guidelines Board, is already facing legal threats from landlords who say it ignores rising operating costs and violates due process, potentially triggering lawsuits that could upend who bears the cost. Critics call the move a political sham, while supporters say it protects tenants; the policy covers about 1 million stabilized units for leases starting Oct. 2026 through Sept. 2027, with a future vote on continuation into 2028. If lawsuits succeed, landlords warn they may sell properties or defer maintenance, harming tenants.