Landlord group pans Mamdani’s ‘rental ripoff’ hearings

(The Center Square) — The Mamdani administration kicked off its much-touted “rental ripoff” hearings Thursday to build the case for freezing rents, but a group representing landlords says they are being unfairly scapegoated for the city’s policies that are driving up housing costs.

Over the next several months the hearings, a key campaign pledge for democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, will “give New Yorkers across all five boroughs a direct platform to share their housing experiences in one-on-one conversations with City officials and help shape housing policy,” the administration said in a statement.

“New Yorkers can discuss the challenges they face — from poor conditions and repair delays to unconscionable business practices and non-rent fees,” the statement said. “City leaders from agencies focused on tenant stability, housing quality, and consumer protection will be there to listen.”

But the New York Apartment Association, which represents landlords, said the hearings are “orchestrated to focu...