With Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s calls to “reset” New York City’s housing policy to enhance affordability, one question looms large over the next rent cycle: Will there be a rent freeze in 2026? The answer lies with the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) and whether Mamdani can attain five votes by June, when the final vote takes place.
The RGB is the nine-member body that sets annual rent increases. Its members are appointed by the mayor but intentionally pluralistic: two tenant members, two owner members and five public members, including the chair. Members serve staggered terms and may continue as holdovers after their terms expire until successors are appointed.
To read the full article, please click here.
"The Hard Math Behind Any New York City Rent Freeze," by Massimo F. D’Angelo and William M. Pekarsky was published in Commercial Observer on January 5, 2026.
