First of Mamdani’s ‘Rental Ripoff Hearings’ sees hope, skepticism, and one outburst

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s series of “rental ripoff hearings” kicked off Thursday evening in Downtown Brooklyn, where tenants were invited to share stories about deteriorating conditions, hidden fees, and landlord retaliation — testimony the administration says will directly shape new housing policy.

The hearings, created under an executive order signed during Mamdani’s first day in office, are scheduled to take place across the five boroughs during his first 100 days.