Originally published by Housing Justice For All
88% of Democrats, 75% of Republicans Support Rent Control, according to new survey by Community Service Society
NEW YORK – A new statewide survey from the Community Service Society reveals that an overwhelming majority of New Yorkers — across all regions, demographics, and political affiliations — support stronger tenant protections, including rent stabilization and Good Cause Eviction Protections. These findings as communities across the state continue to face rising rents, eviction threats, and housing insecurity.
The survey results show broad and bipartisan backing for rent stabilization, which ensures renters have the right to renew their leases with fair, regulated rent increases. Across the state, 81% of respondents expressed support for adopting rent stabilization in their communities, with support remaining high across all demographic groups:
- By Region: Capital District & North Country (89%), Hudson Valley (89%), Western New York (88%), Southern Tier & Mohawk Valley (75%), Long Island (68%)
- By Area Type: Suburban (89%), Urban (84%), Rural (81%)
- By Race: Black (90%), Asian (88%), Multi-Racial (82%), White (81%), Latino (75%)
- By Age: 18-29 (73%), 30-44 (89%), 45-64 (86%), 65+ (75%)
- By Party Affiliation: Democrat (88%), Independent (83%), Republican (75%)
Similarly, support for Good Cause Eviction Protections — which prevent unjust evictions and allow tenants to challenge excessive rent hikes — is widespread. Momentum for Good Cause is growing across the state: 14 municipalities, including Rochester, Albany, Kingston, and most recently Binghamton, have voted to adopt the protections in less than a year.
While only one-third of respondents were initially aware of Good Cause, three-quarters (78%) supported its implementation after receiving a neutral explanation of the policy.
Support for Good Cause was strong across all key demographics:
- By Region: Capital District & North Country (82%), Hudson Valley (85%), Western New York (80%), Southern Tier & Mohawk Valley (70%), Long Island (66%)
- By Area Type: Suburban (85%), Urban (80%), Rural (75%)
- By Race: Black (88%), Asian (86%), Multi-Racial (80%), White (78%), Latino (72%)
- By Age: 18-29 (70%), 30-44 (85%), 45-64 (82%), 65+ (72%)
- By Party Affiliation: Democrat (85%), Independent (80%), Republican (70%)
“Our survey shows that in parts of New York State where tenants are currently subject to unjustified evictions and unconscionable rent hikes — which is to say, most of the state — four out of five residents want to see their community opt in to rent stabilization and good cause,” said Community Service Society Senior Policy Analyst Sam Stein. “These are good policies, and New Yorkers around the state know it.”
“Whether you’re a tenant or homeowner, a Democrat or a Republican, we can all agree: rent control is the surest way to ensure affordable, stable homes for all,” said Housing Justice for All Coalition Director Cea Weaver. “Tenants are half the state. It’s past time for lawmakers to take our affordability crisis seriously and get behind commonsense tenant protections.”
Earlier this month state lawmakers introduced the Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants (REST) Act, which would make rents affordable by expanding rent stabilization across New York State. Sponsored by State Senate Housing Chair Brian Kavanagh and Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha, the REST Act aims to make it easier for municipalities to adopt rent stabilization and expand who would be covered.