In the News: “Kingston rent control, 15% rent reduction upheld by NY’s highest court”

An article published by Daily Freeman highlights a major victory for Kingston tenants following a unanimous ruling by New York State’s highest court. The Court of Appeals upheld Kingston’s 2022 housing emergency declaration, the city’s decision to adopt the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA), and a 15% rent reduction ordered by the Kingston Rent Guidelines Board.

The lawsuit was brought by the Hudson Valley Property Owners Association, which argued that the city’s vacancy study was flawed and that the Rent Guidelines Board lacked authority to reduce rents. The court rejected those claims, finding that Kingston’s survey was properly conducted, used reliable data, and confirmed that vacancy rates were below the 5% threshold required to trigger ETPA protections. The judges also affirmed that the Rent Guidelines Board had acted within its powers when granting the 15% rent reduction to tenants.

Tenant advocates hailed the decision as a lifeline for thousands of Kingston renters, ensuring they can remain in their homes and benefit from stabilized rents. Kingston is the first municipality in New York State history to reduce rents under the ETPA, and the ruling is expected to strengthen rent stabilization efforts in other communities across the state.

City leaders praised the decision, with Mayor Steve Noble calling it “a victory for Kingston’s communities” and emphasizing that rent stabilization is just one part of the city’s broader efforts to expand affordable housing and protect vulnerable tenants. Kingston Corporation Counsel Barbara Graves-Poller added that the ruling “upheld the City’s housing emergency declaration in such clear terms,” reinforcing the city’s ability to respond to the housing crisis.

The Court of Appeals’ ruling builds on earlier victories for the city in lower courts and sets an important precedent under the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019, which expanded ETPA authority statewide. By confirming that Kingston acted lawfully, the decision cements municipalities’ power to declare housing emergencies, regulate rents in qualifying buildings, and pursue stronger protections for tenants facing rising housing costs.

Read the full article on Daily Freeman HERE.