NYC Rent Freeze Likely as Mayor Appoints New Rent Guidelines Board

Mayor Zohran Mamdani's appointees signal a shift toward tenant-friendly policies

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed six new members to the Rent Guidelines Board, paving the way for a likely rent freeze on New York City's one million rent-stabilized apartments. The new board, led by chair Chantella Mitchell, is expected to take a more tenant-friendly approach compared to the previous administration's policies that allowed for rent increases.

Why it matters

This move by Mayor Mamdani fulfills a key campaign promise and could provide much-needed relief for rent-burdened New Yorkers, especially as the city grapples with a projected $7 billion budget deficit. However, it has drawn criticism from some small property owners who argue it will further strain the city's affordable housing infrastructure.

The details

Mamdani appointed six new members to the nine-member Rent Guidelines Board, which sets annual lease guidelines for rent-stabilized apartments. The new board includes tenant advocates, housing policy experts, and a labor representative. This contrasts with the previous board under Mayor Adams, which approved rent increases four times. Under Mayor de Blasio, the board froze rents on one-year leases three times.

  • On Tuesday, Mamdani appointed Chantella Mitchell as the new chair of the Rent Guidelines Board.
  • The board's next rent adjustment decision will take place sometime in June, following public testimony.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who appointed the new Rent Guidelines Board members.

Chantella Mitchell

The new chair of the Rent Guidelines Board, appointed by Mayor Mamdani.

Ann Korchak

The board president of Small Property Owners of New York (SPONY), who criticized Mamdani's actions as harmful to small property owners.

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What they’re saying

“I'm confident that, under the leadership of Chantella Mitchell as chair, the board will take a clear-eyed look at the complex housing landscape and the realities facing our city's two million rent-stabilized tenants, and help us move closer to a fairer, more affordable New York.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor (6sqft.com)

“He not only plans to hammer small property owners with increased property taxes, but also with his appointees giving him control over the RGB. He now wields the sledgehammer to enact a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments. This will drive the final nail in the coffin of mom-and-pop, generational, immigrant small property owners, and along with it, the city's affordable housing infrastructure.”

— Ann Korchak, Board President, Small Property Owners of New York (SPONY) (6sqft.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the rent freeze to move forward.

The takeaway

This move by Mayor Mamdani represents a significant shift in housing policy, prioritizing tenant affordability over landlord interests. While it may provide relief for renters, it also raises concerns about the long-term impact on the city's small property owners and affordable housing supply.