Will NYC implement a rent freeze for leases starting October 2026?
If the NYC Rent Guidelines Board has voted to set a 0% rent increase or any level of decrease for either one-year leases, two-year leases, or both, for rent-stabilized apartments with leases commencing between October 1 of 2026 and September 30 of the following year, then the market resolves to Yes.
Additional Conditions
A rent freeze means the Board has voted for exactly 0% increase or any negative percentage (rent decrease) for either one-year leases, two-year leases, or both. The vote must be the final, official vote of the Board for the annual cycle, not a preliminary vote or proposed range. Indexation to inflation is considered a rent increase and would not qualify as a freeze. If the Board votes 0% for either one-year or two-year leases (or both), the market resolves to Yes. If the Board votes only positive percentages for both lease types, the market resolves to No. The Board typically meets and votes in June for leases beginning October 1. If the Board is unable to meet or vote due to lack of quorum, or if the rent stabilization system is abolished or suspended, the market resolves to No.