Affordable Housing
Policies to address the housing crisis, rent control, and tenant protections.
About this Issue
Learn more about this important topic.
Policies to address the housing crisis, rent control, and tenant protections.
New York City faces a severe housing crisis with skyrocketing rents and a shortage of affordable units. Many residents spend more than 50% of their income on rent, making it difficult to afford other necessities.
Key housing issues include:
- Expanding rent control and tenant protections
- Building more truly affordable housing units
- Addressing homelessness and providing supportive housing
- Regulating real estate speculation and corporate landlords
- Supporting community land trusts and cooperative housing models
The next mayor will need to balance the interests of tenants, homeowners, developers, and the city's overall housing needs.
Candidate Positions
Ordered from most-likely to least-likely to fight for the working class on this issue
Zohran Mamdani
“Housing is a human right. We need to build a city where housing is guaranteed for all, not treated as a commodity for the wealthy.”
Mamdani supports universal rent control, a ban on evictions without good cause, and massive public investment in social housing. He has been a vocal advocate for tenant rights and has worked as a housing counselor helping families facing eviction.
Zellnor Myrie
“Housing is a human right, and we must ensure that every New Yorker has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.”
Myrie has been a champion for tenant rights and affordable housing. He sponsored the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which strengthened rent regulations and tenant protections across New York State.
Adrienne Adams
Adams supports expanding affordable housing and strengthening tenant protections. As City Council Speaker, she has advocated for increased funding for NYCHA and programs to prevent evictions and homelessness.
Brad Lander
“We need to build a city where housing is a right, not a privilege, and where development benefits communities rather than displacing them.”
Lander has been a strong advocate for affordable housing, tenant protections, and community-based planning. He supports community land trusts, stronger rent regulations, and increased funding for public housing.
Scott Stringer
Stringer has proposed ambitious affordable housing plans, including converting vacant offices to housing and investing in community land trusts. He supports stronger rent regulations and tenant protections.
Andrew Cuomo
Cuomo has supported some tenant protections but has also received significant campaign contributions from real estate developers. His housing policies have focused on public-private partnerships and tax incentives for developers rather than direct public investment in affordable housing.
Why This Issue Matters
Affordable Housing Crisis
New York City is facing an unprecedented housing crisis, with skyrocketing rents pushing out long-time residents and making it increasingly difficult for working-class New Yorkers to afford to live in the city.
The next mayor will need to address issues like rent control, tenant protections, homelessness, and the development of truly affordable housing.