New York City mayoral candidate and democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has called for stronger action against landlords accused of neglecting residential buildings, saying the city should pursue “Aggressive legal action” and transfer control of chronically poorly maintained properties to community ownership models.
Mamdani’s proposal is part of his broader housing agenda aimed at addressing rising rents, poor living conditions and housing inequality in New York City.
According to his proposal, landlords who repeatedly fail to maintain safe and livable conditions could face increased legal pressure from city authorities. In severe cases, ownership of neglected buildings could potentially be shifted away from private landlords and transferred to community land trusts, tenant associations or nonprofit housing groups.
Mamdani argued that some landlords continue to profit while tenants deal with unsafe apartments, broken utilities, pest infestations and long-term neglect. He said the city should intervene more aggressively when building owners repeatedly violate housing standards.
The proposal has sparked debate among housing advocates, tenant groups and property owners. Tenant rights organisations largely welcomed tougher enforcement against negligent landlords, saying stronger measures are needed to hold repeat offenders accountable.
However, landlord associations and real estate groups criticised the proposal, arguing that transferring ownership away from private property owners could discourage investment in housing and create legal challenges. Critics also warned that such policies could increase tensions in New York’s already strained housing market.
Housing affordability and tenant protections are expected to remain major issues in New York City politics ahead of upcoming elections, with candidates presenting sharply different approaches to rent control, development and landlord regulation.
Mamdani, who represents parts of Queens in the New York State Assembly, has gained national attention for his progressive positions on housing, labour rights and economic inequality.
