Members of the board submitted seven "yes" votes, one "no," and one abstention, for a 0-2% increase for one-year leases, and 0-4% for two-year leases, a decision that didn't seem to make either side happy.
The motion, the first preliminary vote on whether New Yorkers will see increases for rent-stabilized apartments or if rents will freeze, drew boos and groans from tenants and landlords following the vote as the raucous crowd drowned out the Rent Guidelines Board.
The preliminary range for rent hikes the board establishes every spring is traditionally, wildly unpopular, but this time, in keeping with Mayor Zohran Mamdani's promise, a rent freeze is actually on the table.
"I think that that's the second-best thing that could happen, with him keeping his promise," said Amy Collado, a rent-stabilized tenant in Brooklyn.
The mayor appoints the nine-member Rent Guidelines Board. This year, the new mayor appointed six new members. Five voted for this range. One, who represents owners, abstained.
The backdrop to this important preliminary vote is an ongoing affordability crisis across the city.
New Yorkers are feeling squeezed as the cost of living continues to rise.
"This time it sounds a little better with having 0% included now. But we know the game; we're expecting they'll vote the highest amount," Collado said.
Meanwhile, landlords have also complained about increased property maintenance costs, saying a rent freeze would leave buildings at risk of falling into disrepair.
"Even if they give us a 2% increase, it's not enough," said landlord Vinny Gjonaj. "It's not enough to swallow all the expenses that are coming in, year over year."
"The rent has to cover the expenses. You don't want to raise the rent? Don't raise the taxes. Don't raise our insurance. We can't continue like this," said landlord Sharon Redhead.
Last year, the board voted to allow increases of 3% on one-year leases and 4.5% on two-year leases.
This year, that could change, and if the panel votes for a rent freeze, increases would begin at 0%.
Tenant advocates spoke out on Thursday prior to the preliminary vote.
"We're out here making sure that we are showing real estate, the city and everyone else that we're unified in fighting," said Elisa Martinez of the New York State Tenant Bloc. "A rent freeze means we can actually stay in our homes."
The Legal Aid Society said in a statement that it is "abundantly clear that New Yorkers residing in rent-stabilized apartments, lofts, and hotels are in dire need of a rent freeze."
A final decision will not be made until June 25, when the board convenes for its final vote in Long Island City.
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