The New York City Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) is one of the most influential, yet often misunderstood, housing authorities in New York City. Each year, the board determines how much landlords can increase rents for approximately one million rent-stabilized apartments across the five boroughs, making its decisions critical for tenants, property owners, and investors alike.
With recent appointments under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the board has received renewed attention amid debates about rent freezes, housing affordability, and the future of NYC real estate.
What the Rent Guidelines Board Does
The Rent Guidelines Board is an independent city agency responsible for:
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Setting annual rent increase limits for rent-stabilized apartments
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Reviewing economic data on housing costs, inflation, and landlord expenses
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Analyzing tenant affordability and vacancy trends
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Holding public hearings before issuing final decisions
The board votes every June on rent adjustments for leases beginning October 1 of that year. These decisions apply only to rent-stabilized housing, not market-rate apartments.
How the Board Is Structured
The board has nine members, all appointed by the mayor:
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2 tenant representatives
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2 owner (landlord) representatives
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5 public members (including the chair)
Public members are intended to be neutral experts, often with backgrounds in economics, housing policy, labor, or finance.
Members typically serve two-year terms, though they may be reappointed.
Current Rent Guidelines Board Members (2026)
Chair
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Chantella Mitchell — Public member and Chair
Public Members
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Chantella Mitchell
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Sina Sinai
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Lauren Melodia
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Brandon Mancilla
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Arpit Gupta
Tenant Representatives
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Adán Soltren
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Sagar Sharma
Owner Representatives
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Maksim Wynn
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Christina Smyth
Several members were appointed or reappointed in 2026, reshaping the board’s ideological balance and drawing attention from both tenant advocates and real estate groups.
When the Current Rent Guidelines Board Members Were Appointed
Most of the current lineup reflects appointments made during Mayor Mamdani’s administration in early 2026. Mayoral appointments are significant because they can influence the policy direction of the board, although the RGB is legally required to operate independently and base decisions on economic evidence.
Historically, changes in mayoral leadership often lead to shifts in the board’s priorities — particularly regarding whether rent increases are more landlord-friendly or tenant-friendly.
Why the Rent Guidelines Board Matters So Much
The RGB’s decisions have major ripple effects across New York City:
1. Tenant Affordability
For rent-stabilized tenants, the board determines whether rents rise modestly, significantly, or not at all.
2. Landlord Finances
Owners of regulated buildings rely on rent increases to offset:
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Property taxes
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Insurance costs
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Maintenance and repairs
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Labor expenses
If increases are too low relative to costs, some buildings can experience financial distress.
3. Real Estate Investment
Investors closely watch RGB decisions because they directly impact:
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Property values
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Cash flow projections
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Lending risk
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Development incentives
Policy expectations around the board can influence billions of dollars in housing investment.
Independence vs. Politics: A Key Debate
Although the Rent Guidelines Board is technically independent, critics on both sides argue politics plays a role because the mayor appoints all members.
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Tenant advocates often push for rent freezes or minimal increases.
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Landlord groups argue increases must match rising operating costs.
This tension is a defining feature of NYC housing policy.
Historical Context
The Rent Guidelines Board was created in 1969 when New York implemented modern rent stabilization laws to prevent excessive rent hikes while allowing landlords to earn reasonable returns.
Since then, the board has issued annual adjustments that have ranged from:
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Rent freezes
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Small increases (1–3%)
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Larger increases during high-inflation periods
2026 Outlook
With a newly appointed board and ongoing affordability concerns, housing experts expect heightened scrutiny of upcoming decisions. Potential outcomes — including a rent freeze — could significantly affect landlords, tenants, and the broader NYC housing market.
Learn More About The Rent Guidelines Board
The New York City Rent Guidelines Board plays a central role in balancing tenant protection with landlord sustainability. Understanding who sits on the board, when they were appointed, and how they operate is essential for anyone involved in New York housing — from renters to investors. For a more detailed