“A mess”: New York’s rent freeze takes effect, as lawsuit sows confusion

Herrick partner, Andrew J. Wagner, was quoted in The Real Deal discussing New York City's rent freeze for stabilized apartments, which took effect on October 1, 2026.

The article notes that the rent freeze is currently being challenged by a group of landlords in court. The judge in the case has declined to halt the freeze or extend last year’s permissible rent increases. 

Andrew said he suspects any allowable rent increase that results from the case will be retroactive. That means tenants would owe additional rent for months they already paid for.

Depending on how long it takes, that could be a large bill.

"Is a landlord going to take them to court to collect a few hundred dollars?" Andrew asked. That would be a personal financial decision, he said.

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