New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the city will hold “Rental Ripoff” hearings with tenants across the five boroughs before taking action against “unconscionable” business practices in the coming months.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mamdani signed an executive order Sunday directing his new Office of Mass Engagement<\/a> and other city agencies to hold the hearings within the first 100 days of his administration.\u00a0<\/p>\n New Yorkers to testify in “Rental Ripoff” hearings<\/p>\n The mayor’s office said New Yorkers will be able to testify about their biggest challenges as renters, from shoddy building conditions to hidden fees, during the citywide hearings.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Too many New Yorkers have been forced to pay more for less \u2014 living in unsafe, unconscionable, and unaffordable housing. Under my administration, that ends. Today’s executive order is the first step towards giving New Yorkers a voice in addressing the housing crisis that is pricing them out of our city,” Mamdani said during a news conference at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx.\u00a0<\/p>\n The administration said it will publish a detailed report on the hearings’ findings, including “common themes and areas of opportunity.”\u00a0<\/p>\n Details about the hearings will be available on the city’s website,\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Mamdani appoints housing commissioner<\/p>\n Mamdani also appointed Dina Levy as his commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development on Sunday as he announced the “Rental Ripoff” hearings.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Levy is an experienced and fearless housing leader, and I know that she will fight to protect tenants and tackle our housing crisis head-on,” Mamdani said. \u00a0<\/p>\n “It is my honor to join forces with tenants, homeowners, and dedicated public servants at HPD as we work to usher in a new era of quality and affordability for all,” Levy said. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n