Could Mayor Adams Really Thwart Mamdani's Rent Freeze?

The news that Mayor Eric Adams intends to stack the Rent Guidelines Board with pro-landlord members before he leaves office in order to block Zohran Mamdani's promised rent freeze has rent-stabilized tenants alarmed.  

"People are really panicked," said Housing Justice for All head and Mamdani housing adviser Cea Weaver, referring to rent-stabilized tenants. "Eric is up to his tricks." 

In a statement to Hell Gate Monday, the Mayor's Office didn't deny the plan. "Mayors serve four-year terms, and Mayor Adams intends to use every single day of his remaining time in office to continue serving New Yorkers," said Adams spokesperson Kayla Mamelak. "Just as he inherited appointees from the Rent Guidelines Board when he took office, Mayor Adams has the authority to appoint members to the board." She said any potential appointments would be announced "if and when they are final."

But can Mayor Adams actually stack the Rent Guidelines Board with enough pro-landlord members to block a rent freeze next year?