Brooklyn’s rent price increased 23.6 percent compared to August ’21

Legal Aid Society reaffirms demand for Albany to respond by providing protections for tenants

September 23, 2022 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Residents and activists protest outside an apartment building in the Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan

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The Legal Aid Society called upon Albany lawmakers Friday to enact proposed “Good Cause” legislation to respond to sharp increases in rent prices across the Brooklyn borough and equip renters with unregulated units with basic protections against unwarranted evictions or unjust rent increases, citing the August 2022 Elliman Report which indicates rising housing costs.

According to Elliman, the average rent price in Brooklyn during Aug. 21 was $3,218, compared to last month’s $3,976 average, on track with the staggering 32.4 percent increase in net effective rent. The rental market in Brooklyn continues to press higher, with the mean rent skyrocketing 27.3 percent in the same period, 18.7 percent above pre-pandemic levels. Luxury buyers forced into the rental market by high mortgage rates and a poor buyers’ market.

“Tenants throughout New York City in unregulated units are now experiencing first-hand what happens when landlords have complete control over lease adjustments: rents double, and people lose their homes,” said Adriene Holder, chief attorney of the Civil Practice at The Legal Aid Society.

The majority of New Yorkers support the proposed “Good Cause” legislation, which would make it illegal to evict tenants except for cases of nonpayment, nuisance or if a landlord obtains a court order. Additionally, the bill would guarantee the renewal of leases and restricted rent increases adjusted for inflation. Thirty-nine different unions endorsed Good Cause, including 119SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and District Council 37.

“This is not a reality we have to accept, and pending statewide legislation – ‘good cause’ – would finally equip tenants with the necessary tools to defend against unwarranted rent increases and unjust evictions,” said Holder.

“Albany may be in recess until next year, but Governor Hochul could use her powers to convene a special session for lawmakers to advance this needed measure. Anything short of immediate action would amount to a dereliction of duty from our local elected officials.”

According to the report, for August 2022, the average monthly rent in Manhattan climbed to $5,246, a 28.1 percent increase from August 2021. This surpasses July’s record monthly rent average of $5,113 for the borough.