First of Mamdani's Rental Ripoff Hearings' sees hope, skepticism, and one outburst | amNewYork

"Tenants would deliver timed testimony directly to agency leaders, and their accounts would be compiled into recommendations expected within 90 days. After her presentation, Weaver told reporters that the goal was to understand both individual experiences and broader patterns—from building-level neglect to systemic enforcement gaps."

"The hearings, she said, are meant to give tenants a direct platform to share their experiences with bad landlords and help drive the city's code enforcement policy. Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani also spoke with reporters as tenants continued to file in."

"He emphasized that the city works with landlords as well as tenants, noting there are landlords trying to do the right thing, and that agencies regularly engage with trade organizations and property owners. At the same time, he said the hearings would help identify what additional tools or resources may be needed for enforcement."

Mayor Zohran Mamdani initiated a series of rental ripoff hearings beginning in Downtown Brooklyn, where tenants share experiences regarding deteriorating housing conditions, hidden fees, and landlord retaliation. Created through an executive order signed on Mamdani's first day, these hearings will occur across all five boroughs during his first 100 days. The Office to Protect Tenants, led by Cea Weaver, will compile tenant testimonies into policy recommendations within 90 days. The administration aims to identify both individual experiences and systemic patterns in building neglect and enforcement gaps. Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani acknowledged the city's collaborative approach with both tenants and landlords while emphasizing the need for additional enforcement tools and resources.

Read at www.amny.com