Over half a century ago, state lawmakers in Albany decided New York City couldn’t be trusted to set its rent regulations because rules favoring tenants could harm the financial health of landlords and their buildings.
In 1971, those state officials took power for themselves, instituting a rule that prevented cities from putting their restrictions on rent increases or imposing new eviction protections.
During his decade as governor, Andrew Cuomo maintained a status quo that put him and the Legislature in charge of rent rules…