Andrew Cuomo, once critical of stronger rent regulations, now calls for repealing the Urstadt Law to give New York City power over its own rent rules, a dramatic policy reversal that’s drawing both support and skepticism as he runs for mayor.
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Power Taken in 1971
More than 50 years ago, state lawmakers passed the Urstadt Law, stripping New York City of the ability to set its own rent regulations. They argued that overly tenant-friendly policies could jeopardize landlord finances and building maintenance. Since then, rent control decisions have remained in Albany’s hands.
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Cuomo’s Reversal on Urstadt
As governor for ten years, Cuomo upheld the state’s authority over rent rules. But in a recent NY1 interview, he said, “The Urstadt Law could be repealed,” adding that New York City should “increase the rent regulation.” Cuomo previously criticized candidates like Zohran Mamdani for advocating rent freezes and had expressed regret over laws he signed that limited rent hikes.
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Lack of Details Draws Criticism
Cuomo declined further interviews to elaborate on his proposal. His spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, said Cuomo now supports city-level control due to rising living costs and an insufficient supply of affordable housing. “We can’t allow rents to dramatically keep rising like they have over the past three years,” Azzopardi said. Critics argue Cuomo missed his chance to act as governor. “It doesn’t seem consistent with his positions,” said Andrew Scherer, a housing law professor.
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City Council’s Possible Role
Scherer noted that if the law were repealed, the City Council, currently progressive and pro-tenant, would likely take the lead. He suggested they could extend regulations to currently unregulated units and give tenants more rights to challenge increases. Last year, the Council banned upfront broker fees for most renters, despite objections from landlords.
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Landlord Concerns and Political Divide
Real estate attorney Scott Mollen argued that a city-led rent policy could become too tenant-leaning. He said the state provides “a more responsible, broader perspective.” However, since 2019, the state Legislature, now Democrat-controlled, has passed several tenant-friendly laws, including restrictions on rent hikes and removal of units from stabilization.
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Mixed Reactions From Stakeholders
Some doubt the repeal would change much. “Given the political alignment, it’s hard to see how repealing the Urstadt Law would lead to anything but more of the same,” said Kenny Burgos of the New York Apartment Association. TenantBloc director Cea Weaver called Cuomo’s pitch opportunistic. “It’s not shocking that a power-hungry governor is interested in strengthening the power of the mayor as he’s running for mayor,” she said. Still, she added, “If Andrew Cuomo wants to expand rent stabilization, that’s great.”