New York City implements rent freeze and consumer protection rules

New York City has implemented two major regulatory changes effective October 1, 2026, targeting housing affordability and consumer rights.

A historic rent freeze has taken effect for approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments across the five boroughs. The Rent Guidelines Board approved a 0% increase for both one-year and two-year leases for contracts signed between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027. This measure, a key campaign promise of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, does not apply to market-rate apartments or leases signed before the effective date.

Simultaneously, the city launched its 'Click-to-Cancel' rule, making it the first municipality in the country to codify such a requirement. The law mandates that businesses must allow consumers to cancel subscriptions using the same method used to sign up; for example, an online signup must allow for online cancellation without requiring phone calls or in-person visits. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection will enforce the rule, with civil penalties starting at $525 per violation and potential requirements for businesses to provide restitution to consumers.