The First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn Heights opened their doors this past Saturday, March 23 for a tenant town hall meeting discussing universal rent control. The meeting, organized by the Housing Justice For All coalition, outlined nine points they want state legislators to pay attention to come June 15 when the state’s current rent laws are set to expire.
“If you’re a tenant and you’re angry say amen,” sang Winsome Pendergas from New York Communities for Change in the tune of the popular nursery rhyme “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Her ringing voice filled the church and brought everyone’s attention towards the altar. Ruth Riddick from the Flatbush Tenants Coalition urged the rest of the crowd to join in.
During the two hour meeting the advocates presented a platform of nine policy points for universal rent control that addressed issues like the expansion of the same basic renter’s rights across New York State, the end of rent hikes and tenant harassment caused by loopholes in rent stabilization, and the passing of new legislation that obliges landlords to provide “good cause” for an eviction.
“You’re fighting for nine laws,” said Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, proudly addressing the applauding crowd. “It’s one thing to say that you’re out here fighting for stronger rent laws, but it’s another thing to know the laws that you’re fighting for.”
Universal rent control wasn’t considered part of a tenable political platform until the recent 2018 state election cycle. But with progressive politicians that campaigned on this issue like Julia Salazar (now the State Senator representing New York’s 18th district and sponsor of the “good cause” bill) now in office, the platform might actually have a real chance.
“It isn’t just about fighting for the right to a renewal lease with limited rent increase,” said Salazar. “It’s also about so many laws that currently work for landlords instead of for tenants. The housing crisis that we’re in right now is like a sinking boat and it doesn’t just have one hole in it, but many. We need every policy on this platform in order to have universal rent control.”
Although the Housing Justice For All Coalition invited all state legislators to join and speak at the meeting, they only received five replies and three attendees. State Senator Brian Kavanagh was the only other state legislator that joined State Senator Salazar and Assemblywoman Richardson.
“When we have forums like these and invite them and they don’t show up, they’re just showing us who they really are,” says Pendergas. “And we realize they are not with us and definitely not with our fight.”
The low number of state legislators might be a sign of effective lobbying strategies from the deep-pocketed real estate industry that has funded state politicians for decades. In the last gubernatorial election, for example, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s top donors were from the real estate industry. The housing coalition’s ability to not only enforce and tighten current laws, but also introduce new legislation like the “good cause” bill (currently still being reviewed in the State Senate Judiciary Committee), will test the endurance of the real estate lobby in the state.
The housing coalition, however, seems ready for battle.
“The truth is that big money has been influencing the halls of Albany for way too long,” said Assemblywoman Richardson, who represents Crown Heights and Prospect Lefferts Gardens. “And I’m here to tell you that the power of the people is greater than any big money.”
The Saturday meeting made one message clear: now was the time for action.
“I’ve been serving now in the State legislature for 13 years and in the time I’ve seen this fight grown in strength,” says State Senator Kavanagh, who represents New York’s 26th district. “We have momentum. We have more and more people understanding that the fight for tenant rights is the fundamental fight not just here in New York City, but all over the state.”
State Senator Kavanagh added that the main reason he’s so optimistic this time is that the growing movement is not just popular among housing and tenant organizations in New York City, but also general progressive organizations around the sate, and most importantly in Albany.
This momentum and unity of citizens and legislators must be sustained if there is to be real change.
“You hear this big mouth?” asked Assemblywoman Richardson. “You head Senator Kavanagh? We’re in the halls of Albany and we’re talking even when the doors are closed. Trust me we got your back. But we’re going to need you guys to do your part too. You know what they say: two hands can clap. Two hands can wash the face. Us as state legislators are only one hand. We need you.”
Timing is of utmost importance.
“We need all hands on deck,” said State Senator Salazar. “We need to be fully focused on rent laws now and not wait until June.”
Jana Cholakovska
