Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to hear about your bad landlords.
The mayor signed an executive order during his first days in office establishing what he’s coined “rental ripoff” hearings — giving New Yorkers a chance to speak directly to his administration about their poor housing conditions and the shady practices of their landlords.
The hearings are scheduled across from February to April and will take place in each of the five boroughs.
“This is your chance to tell City government what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change,” the city’s website says.
Government workers with expertise in tenant stability, housing quality and consumer protection will be at the hearings. According to Mamdani’s executive order, a report will be made 90 days after the final hearing including recommendations for “policy changes and action plans based on testimony.”
Here’s what you need to know.
When are the ‘rental ripoff’ hearings?
There are five hearings scheduled through the winter and spring in each of the five boroughs. Every borough will have at least two hearings available on the same day.
Here’s the schedule:
- Brooklyn: February 26
- Queens: March 5
- Bronx: March 11
- Manhattan: March 28
- Staten Island: April
Who can attend?
Registration is required to attend, so act fast. Some of the hearings have already filled up.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to provide policy recommendations, share testimony one-on-one with agency leadership, and learn about the City’s housing resources,” the city’s website explains.
You are not required to attend the hearing in the same borough in with you live.
The hearings are not, however, for NYCHA residents. According to the city, staff will be on hand to hearing concerns, take repair requests and heat/hot water complaints.
“In the coming months, our administration will release a housing plan focused on improving housing quality for all New Yorkers, including those in public housing,” the city says.
