The Brian Lehrer Show 30 Issues in 30 Days: Rent Regulation
Sep 26, 2025
Greg David, a fiscal and economic contributor to The City, and Patrick Spauster, a housing and homelessness reporter from City Limits, dive into the heated debate surrounding rent regulation in NYC. They discuss Mamdani's proposed rent freeze and Cuomo's controversial means testing plan for tenants. The conversation tackles the historical context of rent stabilization, the financial strain on landlords, and the arguments for and against various policies. They also explore the impact of rent regulation on housing supply and tenant protections.
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Three-Way Housing Market Split
- About one-third of NYC housing is rent-stabilized, one-third market-rate, and one-third owner-occupied.
- This division shapes policy effects and who benefits from regulation.
Distressed Rent-Regulated Buildings
- Greg describes many older rent-regulated buildings where expenses rose faster than rents.
- He warns such buildings may deteriorate or become financially distressed without relief.
Combine Rent Relief With Targeted Aid
- Pair tenant relief with targeted programs for distressed buildings like tax incentives or rehab funding.
- Use subsidies or tailored assistance to prevent deterioration while keeping rent protections.