NYC 'Rental Ripoff' Hearings Begin Across Boroughs

Mayor Mamdani launches initiative to address poor housing conditions and landlord misconduct.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has launched a series of 'rental ripoff' hearings across the five boroughs, giving residents a chance to share their experiences with poor housing conditions and landlord misconduct. The hearings, scheduled from February to April, will allow New Yorkers to provide policy recommendations and testimony to city officials. A report with recommendations for policy changes will be released 90 days after the final hearing.

Why it matters

The 'rental ripoff' hearings are part of Mayor Mamdani's efforts to address long-standing issues of housing quality and tenant stability in New York City. By providing a platform for residents to directly share their experiences, the administration aims to uncover problematic landlord practices and develop policy solutions to protect tenants.

The details

The hearings will feature government workers with expertise in tenant stability, housing quality, and consumer protection. Residents can register to attend the hearings, which are not open to NYCHA residents, who will be directed to separate channels to address their concerns. The administration plans to release a comprehensive housing plan in the coming months focused on improving housing quality for all New Yorkers.

  • The first 'rental ripoff' hearing will be held in Brooklyn on February 26, 2026.
  • Subsequent hearings are scheduled in Queens on March 5, the Bronx on March 11, Manhattan on March 28, and Staten Island in April.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who launched the 'rental ripoff' hearings initiative.

Dina Levy

The newly appointed commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, who has decades of experience in developing and promoting safe and affordable housing.

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What they’re saying

“This is your chance to tell City government what's working, what isn't, and what needs to change.”

— New York City (City website)

“Finally, a chance to tell the city EXACTLY what your landlord's been getting away with. NYC's first Rental Ripoff Hearings are happening in all five boroughs, and we want to hear from you. Real New Yorkers. Real stories. Real policy changes.”

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (Twitter)

What’s next

A report with policy recommendations and action plans based on the testimony from the 'rental ripoff' hearings will be released 90 days after the final hearing in April.

The takeaway

The 'rental ripoff' hearings represent a significant effort by the Mamdani administration to address long-standing issues of housing quality and tenant protections in New York City. By providing a platform for residents to directly share their experiences, the city aims to uncover problematic landlord practices and develop policy solutions to better safeguard the rights and wellbeing of tenants.