The Boston Herald Editorial Board | December 13, 2025
A 2026 Massachusetts ballot initiative establishing rent control cleared a major signature-gathering hurdle last month, with proponents hailing it as a solution to high housing costs.
Before supporters get too excited, perhaps they should consider New York City’s predicament.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani wants to bring sweeping changes to the Big Apple. One of his most popular proposals is to “freeze the rent.” The proposal has populist appeal. New York City rents remain exceptionally high. The median rent of a one-bedroom apartment in November was around $4,400, according to the rental site Zumper. That’s more than $50,000 a year.
High prices aren’t a new phenomenon there. For decades, New York City has tried to make itself more affordable with rent control and rent stabilization programs. This year, the Rent Guidelines Board determined that future one-year leases could increase by 3%. If he gets his way, Mamdani will reduce that to 0%.
Read the full editorial here.