With the full legislature and governor facing re-election in 2026, HGAR and NYSAR are already preparing for what could be a watershed year for housing policy.
The NYC Rent Guidelines Board voted to approve rent increases of 3% for one-year leases and 4.5% for two-year leases on rent-stabilized apartments.
NAR successfully secured its top five priorities in the final package.
The NYC Rent Guidelines Board voted to approve rent increases of 3% for one-year leases and 4.5% for two-year leases on rent-stabilized apartments.
As New York City heads into the 2025 general election, a wave of policy conversations is reshaping how elected officials, housing advocates, and the real estate industry are approaching affordability, development, and regulation.
This past week, two major developments caught the attention of housing stakeholders:
The NYC Rent Guidelines Board voted to approve rent increases of 3% for one-year leases and 4.5% for two-year leases on rent-stabilized apartments.
Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor, elevating a platform centered on rent freezes, public housing investment, and voucher reform.
Together, these moments signal potential changes ahead—and raise key questions for brokers, landlords, developers, and housing professionals across the five boroughs.
On June 30, the Rent Guidelines Board finalized adjustments to rent-stabilized lease renewals for the upcoming year:
The vote—split 5–4—came after weeks of public hearings and pressure from both tenant groups calling for a full rent freeze and landlord advocates citing steep increases in operating costs. While not a freeze, the approved increases are still below inflation and could leave small and midsize landlords with continued margin pressure, especially amid rising insurance, maintenance and financing costs.
For HGAR members who manage or advise on rent-stabilized properties, this vote reinforces the need to closely track regulatory changes and factor policy risk into pricing, marketing and investment strategies.
Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s primary win has drawn national attention due to his housing platform, which includes:
While much of this platform would require state-level action, budget reallocation, and regulatory changes, it points to a growing coalition around public investment and expanded renter protections.
For the real estate industry, key considerations include:
It’s important to note: Mamdani is not yet mayor, and the general election remains competitive. However, his campaign reflects the broader shift in NYC’s housing debate—one that values housing as a public good and challenges long-standing market assumptions.
As of now, the general election ballot includes:
Zohran Mamdani (Democrat) – Running on a platform focused on tenant protections, affordability, and public investment.
Eric Adams (Independent) – The incumbent mayor pursuing re-election outside the Democratic primary.
Jim Walden (Independent) – Former federal prosecutor focused on anti-corruption and middle-income housing reform.
Andrew Cuomo (Independent) – Former governor who remains on the ballot after losing the Democratic primary.
Curtis Sliwa (Republican) –Ran unopposed and recently won the Republican primary for mayor.
Other minor-party candidates, including Jean Anglade, Kyle Gutierrez, and Abbey Laurel-Smith.
Each candidate offers a distinct view on housing policy, rent regulation, and real estate development. The outcome of this election will shape what housing solutions gain traction—and how regulations evolve at both the city and state level.
As your Government Affairs team continues to monitor these developments, here’s what we’re focused on:
Policy Impacts: Assessing how rent regulation changes, voucher policies, and development rules affect brokers, property managers, and owners.
Member Education: Helping you navigate legal obligations and market dynamics through briefings, events, and updates.
Advocacy: Engaging with city and state officials to ensure the Realtor voice is part of the housing conversation
While headlines may focus on personalities, what matters most is the policy environment our members must operate in. Whether it’s rent board decisions, mayoral platforms, or housing legislation, HGAR remains committed to advocating for balance, economic sustainability, and housing access—all while equipping our members with the insight and tools to succeed.
About the author: Dr. Jermaine Meadows is the Director of Government Affairs for the Bronx for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
With the full legislature and governor facing re-election in 2026, HGAR and NYSAR are already preparing for what could be a watershed year for housing policy.
A Mamdani candidacy and potential mayoralty could signal a policy environment more focused on tenant protections, rent regulations and public housing expansion.
The Federal Circuit’s decision underscores the rights of property owners to pursue compensation claims arising from the CDC eviction moratorium.
With this bill in place, all stakeholders from buyers to brokers can expect greater predictability and accountability in a process that has long needed reform.
Receive original business news about real estate and the REALTORS® who serve the lower Hudson Valley, delivered straight to your inbox. No credit card required.
