Mayor Mamdani to Hold ‘Rental Ripoff’ Hearings Across NYC to Address Tenant Concerns

### What’s happening
– Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced “Rental Ripoff” hearings across all five boroughs starting in January 2026.
– The Department of Housing Preservation and Development is responsible for organizing the hearings.
– The hearings will begin within the first 100 days of the administration.

### Why it matters
– New Yorkers will have a platform to voice concerns about housing and rental practices.
– Transparent discussions may lead to practical policy changes to protect tenants from hidden fees and unsafe living conditions.

### Key details
– The “Rental Ripoff” hearings will occur in each borough, allowing tenant testimonies on poor conditions.
– The initiative was announced on January 7, 2026, during a press conference at City Hall.
– Newly appointed HPD Commissioner Dina Levy will lead tenant protection efforts.
– A report summarizing the testimonies collected will be published following the hearings.
– The initiative aims to hold landlords accountable for unjust fees and maintenance issues.

The administration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani is responding to the urgent need for tenant protections by launching “Rental Ripoff” hearings across New York City. This initiative aims to allow residents to share their experiences regarding unsafe living conditions, hidden fees, and other wrong-doings by landlords.

The hearings are set to commence within the first 100 days of Mamdani’s administration and will take place in all five boroughs. Residents will be able to voice their concerns about the challenges they face, including issues with poor building conditions or unexpected charges on their rent statements.

Newly appointed Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Dina Levy, will be instrumental in leading these efforts. She brings significant experience advocating for safe and affordable housing and is expected to help implement meaningful reforms based on the feedback gathered from tenants.

The Mayor’s Office plans to compile a report detailing the themes and issues raised during the hearings, ensuring that the voices of New Yorkers will directly inform policy changes aimed at enhancing tenant rights and accountability for landlords. This action is particularly relevant as many residents have reported considerable abuse through unjust fees and poor living conditions (Source: https://youtu.be/rPNMVLaajhg&t=1252).

In earlier coverage, city officials noted the pressing housing crisis, with a reported rise in serious code violations affecting tenant safety. The ongoing discussions surrounding these hearings underscore the urgency to hold landlords accountable while fostering an environment of transparency and dialogue between City Hall and residents (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/03/13/nyc-council-proposes-stronger-tenant-protections-amid-housing-crisis-and-landlord-negligence/). The commitment of the Mamdani administration to tenant protections signals a potential shift in how rental issues are addressed in New York City.