Cuomo called ‘Freeze the Rent’ pandering. Now, he wants the city to ‘increase’ regulations
Herrick partner, Scott E. Mollen, spoke with Gothamist about the former governor of New York who is currently a candidate for mayor, Andrew Cuomo, indicating that he is now willing to change rent regulations.
The article noted that during his time as governor, Andrew Cuomo upheld the Urstadt Law, allowing him and the Legislature to remain in "charge of rent rules." Now, Cuomo is saying that "the Urstadt Law could be repealed."
Scott, a former chair of the city’s Rent Guidelines Board, said the current Council may be reluctant to support necessary rent increases.
He also said most current councilmembers represent districts where a majority of residents are renters and would hesitate to vote for laws that allow landlords to raise rents, even if they need the money to invest in deteriorating buildings. He said the present arrangement, controlled by state lawmakers, including dozens of elected officials from outside the city, can better balance the interests of tenants and landlords.
"The state Legislature offers an opportunity to have a more responsible, broader perspective," Scott explained.