A new survey from the Community Service Society reveals overwhelming support for rent control and tenant protections across New York State, with backing cutting across political lines and demographic groups. The findings come as rising rents and housing insecurity continue to affect communities statewide.
The survey shows broad support for rent stabilization, which allows tenants to renew leases with regulated rent increases. Statewide, 81% of respondents expressed support for rent stabilization in their communities, with particularly strong backing in the Capital District & North Country (89%), Hudson Valley (89%), and Western New York (88%). Support was also high across racial groups, with 90% of Black respondents and 88% of Asian respondents favoring the measure. Among political affiliations, 88% of Democrats, 83% of Independents, and 75% of Republicans backed rent stabilization.
The findings come as state lawmakers introduce the Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants (REST) Act, sponsored by state Sen. Brian Kavanagh and Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha. The proposed legislation seeks to expand rent stabilization across New York, making it easier for municipalities to adopt tenant protections.
Similarly, support for Good Cause Eviction Protections—measures designed to prevent unjust evictions and excessive rent hikes—was also widespread. Although only one-third of respondents were initially familiar with Good Cause protections, 78% supported them after learning about the policy. Support for the measure remained strong across key demographics, with 85% of Hudson Valley residents and 82% of those in the Capital District & North Country favoring the policy. Among political groups, 85% of Democrats, 80% of Independents, and 70% of Republicans backed Good Cause protections.
“Our survey shows that in parts of New York State where tenants are currently subject to unjustified evictions and unconscionable rent hikes—which is to say, most of the state—four out of five residents want to see their community opt in to rent stabilization and good cause,” said Community Service Society Senior Policy Analyst Sam Stein.
Momentum for Good Cause protections has already grown, with 14 municipalities—including Rochester, Albany, Kingston, and Binghamton—adopting the policy within the past year. Housing advocates argue that these findings should push lawmakers to act.
“Whether you’re a tenant or homeowner, a Democrat or a Republican, we can all agree: rent control is the surest way to ensure affordable, stable homes for all,” said Housing Justice for All Coalition Director Cea Weaver. “Tenants are half the state. It’s past time for lawmakers to take our affordability crisis seriously and get behind commonsense tenant protections.”
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