RENT FREEZE OF HISTORIAL PORPORTION

By: C. Harrison/June 30, 2015

Today, all New Yorkers who rent are walking, talking, running and breathing a sigh of relief. it was only a few hours ago that 1million plus tenants, were in a anxious and hanging position. But, relief came last night when the Rent Guideline Board voted 7 – 2  to put a freeze on rent for tenants with new leases or renewing one year leases, beginning Oct 1, 1015 through to 2016.

The freeze was an historical moment because in the Boards 46-years of service, this was the first time that they made such a decision. The freeze calls for a record setting 1% increase for one year leases and a 2.75% increase for two year leases.

According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, “Today’s decision mean’s relief.”

A rent-freeze was a campaign that the Mayor, fought for since he came into office and had voiced even before then. He advocated  for it and got his wish in his first term, in tow, pleasing New Yorkers immensely.

According to  the Wall Street Journal’s Josh Barbanel, only the two designated owner representatives on the nine-member board appointed by Mayor de Blasio, voted against the freeze this year.

Mr. Barbanel, also noted that this year’s push for a rent increase got a second wind when the operating cost report found that costs had risen only 0.5%, after a 20% decline in fuel prices that offset increases in property taxes and utilities.

All in all, June was a great month for the nation, because the Supreme Court also stayed the rent regulations laws that protects renters rights throughout NYS.  Not to mentioned another precedent/historical move by the Courts to give Gay People the right to wed . Yes, June 2015, was of historical mandate, not to be forgotten anytime soon. These wins allow (We the people to win) one nation under God, this week.