“Rent Freeze” in New York Could Cripple Mom-and-Pop Landlords. Will It Catch on Nationwide?
3 months agoNew York City, NYScore: 85
Regulations & Compliance
Local News
Local Regulations
Profitability
Expenses
Market Research
Multiple Properties
Summary
New York City is considering a rent freeze, which could negatively impact mom-and-pop landlords. Boston has implemented rent control measures, and other cities are considering similar actions. Hosts in these areas should be aware of potential rent regulations and their impact on profitability.
Key Insights
- •Boston's rent cap is either 10% in high-inflation years or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Boston area, plus six percentage points, whichever was lower.
- •39% of all New York City households were cost-burdened in 2024—meaning they spent 30% of their income on housing—according to the Office of the New York State Comptroller.
- •Seattle, Washington's rent increase cap is 7% plus inflation or 10%, or whichever is lower. For manufactured home occupiers, the cap is lower—5% per year.
- •The article mentions that buildings of six units or more are eligible to be rent stabilized, which comprises many buildings in the city that smaller landlords own.
Action Items
- ✓If you own properties in areas considering or implementing rent control measures, research the specific regulations and their potential impact on your rental income and expenses.Effort: mediumImpact: high
- ✓Analyze your current financial obligations and potential expenses (repairs, taxes, etc.) to assess how rent regulations might affect your ability to maintain your properties.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
Watch Out For
- ⚠A mistake would be not staying informed about local rent regulation changes which could lead to financial instability.