New Yorkers Describe Horrid Apartments at Rental Ripoff Event

Residents share stories of leaks, rodents, and faulty safety features in housing rented from Mamdani properties.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Tenants of rental properties owned by New York City landlord Zohran Mamdani described a range of poor living conditions, including leaks, rodent infestations, and faulty smoke alarms, during a recent event hosted by the mayor's office to address housing concerns.

Why it matters

The event highlighted ongoing issues with substandard housing in New York City, where affordable and well-maintained rental units are increasingly scarce. Mamdani is one of the city's largest private landlords, making the conditions of his properties a matter of public interest.

The details

Kaela Brown, who pays $1,200 per month for a room in a Brooklyn apartment, said her home had a hole in the ceiling that allowed water to leak down the walls. She was also frequently awakened by the sound of mice, and had to deal with swarms of gnats and black flies.

  • The event took place on February 27, 2026.

The players

Kaela Brown

A tenant who pays $1,200 per month for a room in a Brooklyn apartment owned by Mamdani.

Zohran Mamdani

A major landlord in New York City whose rental properties were the focus of the recent housing conditions event.

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What they’re saying

“There was a hole in her ceiling, allowing water to creep down the walls. She was awakened at night by the sound of mice. Swarms of gnats and black flies would also swirl around her head.”

— Kaela Brown

What’s next

The mayor's office has promised to investigate the conditions of Mamdani's properties and work with tenants to address any issues found.

The takeaway

This event sheds light on the ongoing challenges many New Yorkers face in finding affordable, well-maintained rental housing, even when renting from major landlords in the city.