In a recent survey, a majority of New York residents support rent regulation and the development of social housing as potential solutions for the ongoing housing crisis.
New York voters are expressing a strong preference for policies aimed at addressing the housing affordability crisis, according to a recent statewide poll. The survey reveals that a significant majority of New Yorkers support rent stabilization and public investments in social housing as key solutions to the issue.
The poll, conducted from July 1 to July 11, found that 69% of respondents are more likely to support candidates who back rent stabilization measures, while 68% favor candidates advocating for social housing investments. These figures highlight the growing political power of tenants, as a tenant-focused primary win indicates a clear shift in political influence.
The widespread concern about rising housing costs is evident, with many voters reporting that they have had to cut back on essentials or even consider leaving the state for affordability reasons. This concern is particularly pronounced among younger voters and voters of color.
One policy that polled well across the state was social housing programs, with 46% of New Yorkers supporting public social housing investments to build affordable housing. A slight majority of 51% of respondents said the best way to lower rents was to "limit how much landlords can hike rents and to invest public dollars in building more affordable housing."
The poll also revealed regional differences in preferences. Respondents in Long Island preferred incentivizing private development, while those in all other regions preferred rent stabilization.
In response to the influence of the real estate lobby on housing policies, a new statewide tenant group is forming to counterbalance this power. The group aims to address voters' concerns about housing affordability and advocate for strong tenant protections and rent stabilization measures.
The New York City Charter Revision Commission has identified zoning restrictions as a major factor limiting housing production. Governor Kathy Hochul has a five-year plan aiming to build or preserve 100,000 affordable housing units by 2027, but much of the progress to date has been concentrated in New York City, with Brooklyn leading projects. Other regions like the Mid-Hudson and Finger Lakes have lagged somewhat behind in unit production.
High-profile elections are being influenced by voters' concerns about housing affordability. Several upstate cities are adopting 'good cause' eviction and rent control policies as a response to these concerns.
The poll has a margin of error of 3 percentage points, but the data suggests a clear trend: New York voters broadly favor strong tenant protections, rent stabilization, and public social housing programs, reflecting a desire for government action on housing affordability as a key 2026 election issue.
[1] Source: Polling Data [2] Source: NYC Housing Preservation and Development [3] Source: New York City Charter Revision Commission
- The poll results indicate that a majority of New Yorkers, at 69%, are more inclined to support candidates who back rent stabilization measures, demonstrating the growing political power of tenants.
- The survey also shows that 68% of respondents favor candidates advocating for social housing investments as key solutions to the housing affordability crisis.
- Many voters are concerned about rising housing costs, with some reporting they have had to cut back on essentials or even consider leaving the state due to affordability issues.
- The poll found that 46% of New Yorkers support public social housing investments to build affordable housing, and 51% believe the best way to lower rents is by limiting how much landlords can increase rents and investing public dollars in affordable housing.
- In response to the influence of the real estate lobby on housing policies, a new statewide tenant group is forming to counterbalance this power, aiming to address voters' concerns about housing affordability and advocate for strong tenant protections and rent stabilization measures.
