"The proposed 'Zohran's Law' by Cuomo, a politically charged housing plan, excludes Zohran from its coverage"
News Article: Cuomo's "Zohran's Law" Proposal for Rent-Stabilized Units Sparks Controversy
New York City, August 2025 - Andrew Cuomo, a mayoral candidate in New York City, has proposed a plan called "Zohran's Law," aimed at restricting income eligibility for tenants moving into vacant rent-stabilized apartments. The proposal, which would cap the incoming tenant’s income so that the rent is at least 30% of their annual income, has generated mixed reactions and skepticism.
The plan, named after Zohran Mamdani, a political figure whose name Cuomo used for the law, is intended to keep rent-stabilized apartments for lower- and middle-income tenants and prevent wealthier New Yorkers from "gaming the system." However, critics argue that it is politically motivated, symbolic, and not practical.
Tenant advocates warn that the proposal would add bureaucratic hurdles in an already challenging housing market. Landlord groups, on the other hand, do not prioritize the issue and are skeptical, with Albany lawmakers likely unwilling to support it. This suggests limited political prospects for passage.
The income cap formula itself has been questioned by housing experts, who highlight that it would require tenants to spend a high fraction of their income on rent, which seems counterintuitive to affordability goals.
It's worth noting that the proposal is distinct from Zohran Mamdani’s own policies, which focus more on rent freezes and broader affordability agendas. Mamdani's rent freeze promise faces credibility questions due to the city's legal and institutional constraints over rent control power.
Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association, supports the idea that high earners and those with second homes should not occupy low rent-stabilized apartments. However, he considers the proposal as the 99th most important issue for landlords.
The law, if enacted, would not seem to apply to Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, due to his move into Gracie Mansion. Sam Stein, a housing policy analyst at the Community Service Society, believes that access to rent-stabilized housing should not be limited.
As of now, the future of Cuomo's "Zohran's Law" remains uncertain, with no clear support from key stakeholders or lawmakers. The proposal faces questions about its legal feasibility and political viability, making it a contentious issue in the ongoing debate about housing affordability in New York City.
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