New York City freezes rents for a million apartments as Mamdani's socialist vision takes shape

The Rent Guidelines Board passed the rules in a 7-1 vote, and they will impact about one million rent-controlled apartments for tenants with one-year or two-year leases.

Published: June 26, 2026 8:13am

A New York City housing authority voted Thursday to freeze rents for up to two years. 

The Rent Guidelines Board passed the rules in a 7-1 vote, and they will impact about one million rent-controlled apartments for tenants with one-year or two-year leases, Reuters reported

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has vowed to enact socialist policies in the city including price controls and government-run grocery stores, appointed six of the board's nine members since he took office. 

Hours before the vote, Christina Smyth, who was appointed by Mamdani's predecessor, said Mamdani had stacked the board and resigned. Smyth said the outcome was predetermined by the mayor and accused the board of failing to be unbiased as required by law. 

 

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News