New York City landlords sue to overturn rent freeze

A Manhattan Supreme Court judge is weighing a lawsuit from landlords seeking to overturn a New York City rent freeze on nearly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments. The Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) voted 7-1 to implement the freeze, a move seen as a fulfillment of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign promises.

Landlords, represented by attorney Randy Mastro, argue the decision-making process was a “sham” and that the board was improperly influenced by the mayor’s office. They contend the board used cherry-picked data to reach a predetermined outcome, ignoring the financial impact on landlords and their debt obligations. Mastro has requested discovery to investigate whether the administration exerted undue influence through direct communications with board members.

Attorneys for the city and the RGB argue that the board followed legal procedures and considered extensive testimony and data regarding rent-burdened tenants. City attorney Rachel Moston noted that the vote is a discretionary decision rather than a “mathematical equation or formula.” Judge Brendan Lantry has not yet issued a ruling, which will determine if the freeze remains in effect for its scheduled October start.