In the United States, the housing crisis has worsened dramatically over the past decade. Many Americans are struggling to pay rent, afford their mortgage and most young people can only dream of homeownership. Under the Trump administration, this issue has only gotten significantly worse with the increasing cost of living. Despite this, a glimmer of hope exists for New York City, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proposing progressive housing and rent reforms. His policies are not only possible in New York, but can be replicated all across the country.
Part of Mamdani’s platform is to freeze the rent on rent-stabilized apartments. New York City has many rent-stabilized units, however the rent has been steadily increasing over the years, pushing people out of the city. The issue of homelessness has only gotten worse. A rent freeze would allow tenants’ wages to catch up to rising costs.
Zohran will also crack down on bad landlords. His administration will overhaul the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants. Tenants can schedule and track inspections more easily. This would set a precedent in the city having a more direct role in tenant and landowner disputes, in the favor of tenants. His support extends to families who own their houses, too. His policies will fight back against scammers looking to steal deeds, and reflect property taxes in proportion to income.
So what would progressive candidates look like in other states? They would push for rent control and require landlords to prioritize tenants when selling their property. Another progressive policy is his for union-built affordable housing and establishing transitional programs for people without housing. Their platform should include bargaining in good faith with tenant unions to ensure people have safe and stable living amenities.
Better housing for Americans is possible, we have the tools and know how to do it. It’s only a matter of combating profit-hungry landlords, struggling against corporate greed and fighting for tenant’s rights.
