NYC Expands Rent Freeze Program for Seniors and Disabled Residents

Mayor Eric Adams announced a major expansion of New York City’s Rent Freeze Program today, aimed at alleviating financial burdens on low-income seniors and disabled residents. The initiative, unveiled during a press conference in the Bronx, raises income eligibility limits and simplifies the application process to help more New Yorkers qualify for the program.
The Rent Freeze Program, which includes the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE), allows eligible tenants to lock in their current rent levels and avoid future increases. The new income cap has been increased from $50,000 to $60,000 annually, significantly broadening access to the program.
“This is a lifeline for New Yorkers who are struggling to make ends meet,” Adams said. “Our seniors and disabled residents deserve to age in place without the constant fear of losing their homes.”
Advocates for affordable housing hailed the move as a step in the right direction but called for additional measures to address the city’s housing crisis. “While this helps many vulnerable tenants, we also need to build more affordable housing and address rising rents citywide,” said Rachel Fee, executive director of the New York Housing Conference.
The city plans to launch a public awareness campaign to ensure that eligible residents know about the program and how to apply. Officials expect the changes to benefit an additional 50,000 households across the five boroughs.