Council Member Dinowitz asks if HPD has ever rejected or modified a rent increase

I want to move on from that because we have, you can see tons of people here, all of whom their Mitchell alarm is facing upwards of 20%, 30% rent increases.

Deputy Commissioner Phillips, you testified HPD is legally required to approve rent and maintenance increases up to the amount necessary.

I want to understand this a bit.

Has there ever been a time that you have rejected a proposed rent increase from someone seeking a rent increase?

I don't have that.

that knowledge off the top of my head, but to ensure that the building is operating appropriately, we want to make sure that the income can cover the expenses.

I understand what the purpose of the rent increase is, which again, 31% is outlandish.

And I do have to say, for the residents of Michilamas, for the residents of Tracy, Cannon, Kingsbridge Arms, all in my...

Some in my district or near my district, you know, 31%, 40%, 50%, I think anywhere is a big increase.

But it is not only big, it is in the face of an administration who's made affordability a centerpiece of their campaign.

And who campaigned on 0% rent increases.

So it isn't just about saying the rent increases too much.

It is about what it feels unfair to see that disparity.

But my question still is, has HPD ever rejected or modified a proposed rent increase, or has it served as a rubber stamp for the company seeking the rent increase?

No, we've modified in the past.

And the way we'd be able to modify an increase is if we can find a way to lower expenses, right?

So when the rent increase comes in, it has to cover operating expenses.

We know operating expenses are wildly out of control.