Staten Island Tenants Rally for Enforcement Reforms Ahead of City Hearing

NYS Tenant Bloc and Met Council on Housing seek to end self-certification system that lets landlords claim violations are fixed without proof.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, nostalgic painting depicting a group of people gathered outside a public school building, the scene bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of community activism and the fight for better housing policies.Tenant advocates rally outside a Staten Island school, seeking reforms to hold negligent landlords accountable and improve housing conditions across the city.Staten Island Today

Tenant advocates rallied on Staten Island ahead of New York City's first Rental Ripoff Hearing, demanding stronger landlord enforcement measures and a rent freeze as part of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's housing reform efforts. The advocates outlined four specific changes they want implemented, including ending the self-certification system that allows landlords to claim they fixed violations without proof, imposing penalties on landlords instead of waiving fees, creating pathways for tenants to take over their buildings, and ensuring existing programs deliver results.

Why it matters

Nearly two-thirds of New York City tenants have experienced a housing quality issue in the past three years, according to a recent report. The Rental Ripoff Hearings are part of the Mamdani administration's efforts to give renters a platform to share their experiences and shape code enforcement policy.

The details

The rally was organized by NYS Tenant Bloc, Met Council on Housing, Youth Alliance for Housing and other groups. Tenants have fought negligent landlords for decades over chronic issues like lack of heat, unrepaired ceilings, and dangerous mold. The Rental Ripoff Hearings will allow tenants to meet one-on-one with senior officials from the Mamdani administration, including commissioners from the city's housing and consumer protection agencies.

  • The rally took place on Tuesday afternoon, April 7, 2026, ahead of the first Rental Ripoff Hearing on Staten Island.
  • The Mamdani administration will publish a report proposing policy interventions within 90 days of the final Rental Ripoff Hearing.

The players

NYS Tenant Bloc

A tenant advocacy group organizing the rally and demanding enforcement reforms.

Met Council on Housing

A tenant advocacy group organizing the rally and demanding enforcement reforms.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who established the Rental Ripoff Hearings as part of his housing reform efforts.

Community Service Society

A non-profit organization that published a report showing nearly two-thirds of New York City tenants have experienced a housing quality issue in the past three years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can't fight for tenants without listening to them first. That's why we're launching Rental Ripoff Hearings in all five boroughs—bringing together renters to speak directly about what they're facing, from hidden fees to broken tiles and unresponsive landlords. What tenants share at these hearings won't lead to empty promises. Their testimony will guide our work and help shape the policies we advance to build a city New Yorkers can afford to call their home.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

What’s next

Within 90 days of the final Rental Ripoff Hearing, the Mamdani administration will publish a report proposing policy interventions informed by common grievances voiced by New Yorkers.

The takeaway

This rally highlights the ongoing struggles of New York City tenants to hold negligent landlords accountable and the Mamdani administration's efforts to give renters a direct voice in shaping housing policy reforms, including a potential rent freeze that could save tenants billions.