New York Landlords Sue to Annul City Rent Freeze

A group of New York City landlords filed a lawsuit in Staten Island to annul a rent freeze approved by the Rent Guidelines Board in June 2026. The freeze affects approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments and aligns with a primary campaign promise of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Plaintiffs argue that the process was a sham, alleging Mamdani packed the board with loyalists and used city funds to fill hearings with tenant advocates to ensure a predetermined outcome.

Represented by attorney Randy Mastro, the landlords claim the board ignored economic data indicating a 5.3 percent rise in landlord operating costs. The suit emphasizes the resignation of former board member Christina Smyth, who characterized the proceedings as theater. Small Property Owners of New York president Ann Korchak asserted that the process was stacked against small owners and failed to meet legal mandates for data-driven adjustments.

The mayor's office defended the decision, stating that the Rent Guidelines Board is an independent body that evaluated all relevant data. The city must present its defense in September, while the rent freeze is scheduled to take effect on October 1.