Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the Rental Ripoff Report, a package of 23 policy actions shaped by testimony from thousands of New Yorkers at Rental Ripoff Hearings held across the five boroughs. The hearings were established through one of the Mayor’s first Executive Orders and informed a sweeping set of reforms to strengthen tenant protections, improve housing quality and hold negligent landlords accountable.
The actions build on the Mayor’s housing plan, Block by Block, which charts a path to build 200,000 affordable homes, preserve another 200,000, make the largest investment in public housing in modern history and enforce the nation’s strongest tenant protections.
The report’s recommendations include recognizing tenant unions, expanding tenants’ ability to organize and bargain collectively over building conditions and other shared concerns; requiring landlords to disclose when rental listings have been altered using artificial intelligence or other digital tools; modernizing building owner registration and communication systems; and using the City’s full enforcement authority to crack down on “repeat-offender” landlords through inspections, enforcement programs and litigation.
“At Rental Ripoff Hearings across the five boroughs, we heard from thousands of New Yorkers living with mold that was never treated, pests that were never addressed and fees that were never explained. Listening was only the first step. This report turns those stories into concrete action. From requiring disclosure of AI-altered listings to bringing our code enforcement systems into the 21st century and finally recognizing tenant unions, we are making it clear that every New Yorker deserves a safe home – and every landlord who refuses to provide one will be held accountable,” said Mayor Mamdani.
“The actions laid out in the Rental Ripoff Report will help create a city where every New Yorker can live with dignity. From improving code enforcement to supporting tenants who organize with their neighbors, these policies are rooted in real experiences and address real concerns. My thanks to the thousands of New Yorkers who helped shape these actions and to the many City staff who helped make the Rental Ripoff Hearings a success,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.
“The Rental Ripoff Hearings and today’s report are writing a new chapter in tenant power in New York City. Governing is a partnership. By bringing tenants’ voices directly into policy and taking unprecedented steps to facilitate tenant organizing across the city, we are showing what governing with New Yorkers looks like. From legally recognizing tenant unions to coordinating enforcement days with tenants and owners, we are making clear that our city and our housing market is stronger when tenants are mobilized, engaged and represented,” said Cea Weaver, Director, Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.