Wednesday, June 11, 2008

New York City Renters Can NOT Afford Another Rent Increase!

On Monday, May 5, 2008, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) held its preliminary vote and recommended increases of 3.5 percent to 7 percent for one-year leases and 5.5 percent to 9.5 percent for two-year leases.

Although these proposed increases are not as large as had been recommended by some, we are deeply concerned about the effect that even modest rent increases will have on more than 2 million lower-income New Yorkers, including many of our most financially vulnerable neighbors -- seniors, the disabled and others living on fixed incomes.

Act now to ensure that these residents can continue to afford to live in their communities and homes. Without them, we risk losing the very heart and soul of our city.

We urge you to testify at one of the following upcoming RGB public hearings:

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Monday, June 16, 2008
4PM-10PM 10AM-6PM
NYC College of Technology The Great Hall at Cooper Union
Kiltgord Auditorium 7 East 7th Street
285 Jay Street at corner of 3rd Ave. (Basement)
Brooklyn, NY 11201 New York, NY 10003

These public hearings are a critical stage in the fight to save New York City's rent stabilized apartments. We hope you will participate in sending a strong, clear message to the RGB: Act now to help tenants! Stop higher rents for those who can least afford it.

For questions on these hearings, please contact Paige Bellenbaum, Director of Advocacy, Habitat for Humanity, 212-991-4000 x312.