What comes next for the rent control in Kingston

KINGSTON, N.Y.— After the state Supreme Court in Ulster County sided with the city’s housing emergency declaration, keeping rent control in place, property owners vowed to fight the decision while housing advocates doubled down on a push for rent reductions.

Yet, Michael Tierney, a Kingston Rent Guideline Board member, said there hadn’t been any communication about a new hearing or meeting to set a rate.

Aaron Narraph Fernando, communications lead of For the Many, a non-profit added as a respondent to the case in Judge Gandin’s decision, suggested that perhaps the unfamiliarity of local courts with relevant housing legislation is to blame for what the group feels is an imperfect outcome.

“We maintain our position that everything the Kingston Rent Guidelines Board did was legal. State law clearly gives boards the authority to set any and all ‘rent adjustments,’ including rent reductions,” said Fernando.

“With Kingston rents rising to outrageous highs, a 15% rent reduction is a common-sense response to the city’s housing crisis. While it will take time for lower courts to grasp the finer points of the Emergency Tenant Protection Act, we’re confident that the reduction will ultimately be restored on appeal.”