More than 100 frustrated tenants gathered at Fordham University Wednesday night for the city\u2019s third \u201cRental Rip-Off\u201d hearing, demanding relief from rising rents and poor housing conditions.<\/p>\n
Chants of \u201cFight, fight, fight! Housing is a human right!\u201d echoed across the campus as Bronx residents rallied outside the event, calling on city leaders to freeze rents and hold landlords accountable.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, mayor, can you hear us? We want that rent freeze!\u201d Patricia Jewett, a private housing resident, shouted.<\/p>\n
The hearing, hosted by city agencies focused on tenant protection and housing stability, was designed to give New Yorkers an opportunity to voice concerns about housing conditions, rent increases and landlord practices one on one. Some residents were also able to speak directly with the mayor about their concerns. But NYCHA residents say their issues are not receiving the same level of attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we wrongly made assumptions surrounding how this administration would respond to our needs,\u201d said NYCHA resident Ramona Ferreyra.<\/p>\n
Ferreyra and other public housing tenants argue the city is prioritizing privatization efforts instead of investing directly into public housing.<\/p>\n
In response, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the administration remains committed to improving conditions for NYCHA residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are committed to delivering the improvements NYCHA residents deserve,\u201d the mayor said. “We want and welcome your stories at the rental rip off hearings.”<\/p>\n