Newsflash, the Rent Is Still Too Damn High. And Other Things New York Renters Need to Know in 2026

Housing is the issue that shapes how long people can stay in New York and whether they feel secure once they do. With a new mayor taking office and major housing decisions unfolding in courts, boardrooms, and city agencies, we take a step back to explain what is actually driving affordability right now. Tenant rights attorney and city planning commissioner Leah Goodridge breaks down how the system works, why rent stabilization is under attack, what “affordable housing” really means, and what renters should be watching next as housing policy enters a pivotal moment.