Los Angeles City Council has approved reforms to its rent control laws for the first time in 40 years, capping annual rent increases at 4% and eliminating a utility surcharge, aiming to make housing more affordable amid a housing crisis, though critics argue it could hinder new development.
A surge in leasing application fraud, involving identity theft and fake documents, is complicating the rental process, increasing costs for landlords, and potentially making it harder for honest tenants to find housing, all amid a broader housing affordability crisis.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams compared a woman at a community meeting to a plantation owner after she aggressively confronted him about recent rent hikes. Adams asked the woman to show him respect as the Mayor of NYC and stated, "Don't stand in front like you treated someone that's on the plantation that you own." The comment received applause from the room, and the meeting continued without further incident.
The Rent Guidelines Board passed a preliminary first vote on proposed rent hikes for one-year and two-year leases for rent-stabilized apartments in New York City. The potential adjustment could increase rent 2-5% for one-year leases and 4-7% for two-year leases. Landlords and tenant advocates increased the pressure on the Rent Guidelines Board ahead of the vote on Tuesday night. The decision will impact nearly 2 million New Yorkers.