New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board voted Thursday to adopt Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to freeze rents for approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments, handing the new mayor one of the most significant policy victories of his administration.

The independent board, whose members are appointed by the mayor, approved the measure by a 7-1 vote. The freeze applies to rent-stabilized units in buildings constructed before 1974, as well as certain properties that receive qualifying tax incentives.

Under the new policy, rents will remain unchanged beginning October 1 and continuing through September 30, 2027.

Rent freezes are not unprecedented in New York City. The board approved similar measures during the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio before later authorizing rent increases under Mayor Eric Adams.

Following Thursday’s vote at El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem, supporters celebrated outside the venue. According to The New York Times, activists marked the occasion with music and pizza, while Queen’s anthem “We Are the Champions” played in the background.

Mamdani hailed the decision as a major milestone in his effort to reduce housing costs across the city.

“I’ll continue working to deliver a more affordable city by building and preserving affordable housing, lowering building operating costs like insurance, and ensuring tenants know their rights,” he said.

Keeping rents frozen was a centerpiece of Mamdani’s mayoral campaign as he sought to address New York City’s escalating housing costs. Throughout the race, he repeatedly criticized Eric Adams for approving annual rent increases during his four years in office.

Research from the nonprofit newsroom Community Service Society found that rent-stabilized tenants experienced a cumulative increase of 12.6 percent during Adams’ tenure—exceeding the total rent hikes approved during Michael Bloomberg’s administration.

The rent freeze has also long been a signature priority of the Democratic Socialists of America, which has argued that preventing rent increases is essential to keeping working-class residents from being priced out of the city.

The board’s vote came just days after a series of candidates endorsed by Mamdani defeated incumbent Democrats in congressional primaries across New York.

Among the victors were Democratic socialist candidates Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, both backed by Mamdani. Avila Chevalier’s victory drew particular attention after she unseated Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.). Former mayoral candidate Brad Lander, another Mamdani ally, also defeated Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) by a comfortable margin.

Despite those political successes, Mamdani continues to face resistance from several prominent Democratic leaders, particularly lawmakers who are strong supporters of Israel.

Speaking Wednesday on MS NOW, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged the ideological divisions within the Democratic Party while urging members to unite after the primary season.

“I think for us as House Democrats, we’re just hopeful that everybody recognizes once we get through this primary season, that the enemy is Donald Trump and MAGA extremism,” Jeffries said on MS NOW.

{Matzav.com}