Rent Regulations and Affordable Housing

One of the most compelling arguments advanced by tenant advocates in support of rent regulations is the need to preserve affordable housing in New York. However, one question that never appears to be answered is "affordable for whom?" The regulations do not answer this question. This argument would be far stronger if there was some provision in the law that insures that rent regulated housing is preserved for those who can not afford market rate housing. This is not the system however. As the recent articles detailing the favorable rent deals that our governor and esteemed Congressman (for 4 apartments no less! ) receive many of those who benefit from rent regulated apartments do not require such favorable treatment. While the law may preserve affordable housing, it is not necessarily preserving it for those who need it. This is a one of the major flaws with this system that s needs to be corrected.