BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON’S STATEMENT ON THE RENT GUIDELINES BOARD VOTE

"I am disappointed by tonight's vote by the Rent Guidelines Board to raise rents for the hundreds of thousands of Bronxites and residents across our city who live in rent-stabilized apartments. Our city is in the midst of a housing crisis, and hardworking families are struggling to stay afloat financially. Our City should be doing more to help these struggling New Yorkers, but the decision by the Rent Guidelines Board tonight does the complete opposite. These approved rent hikes of 2.75% for one-year leases and 5.25% for two-year leases will only make it harder for families to stay in their homes. I am concerned that these rent hikes will exacerbate our housing crisis and lead to more evictions and displacement.

Even as this decision has been made, I will continue to work with our partners at all levels of government and with housing advocates to ensure our tenants receive the support they need to remain housed in our borough.

Affordable and stable housing is a fundamental right and too many families are rent-burdened and sadly, tonight's RGB decision will lead to more families struggling and facing evictions. We must invest in more tenant protections and support for those families paying more than 30% of their income towards rent."