Do you want NYC rent freeze? Mamdani calls for New Yorkers to testify

May 1, 2026, 5:30 p.m. ETZohran Mamdani is bringing out New Yorkers to begin canvassing in a direct parallel to his campaign tactics as he attempts to freeze the rent.The mayor, whose grassroots campaign surpassed three million doors knocked across the city, is asking New Yorkers for help once again. This time, with upcoming Rental Guideline Board meetings which will be part of the decision to freeze the rent.Here's his new effort, and what to know about the hearings.Can Mamdani freeze the rent?Mamdani has proposed a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, where millions of New Yorkers call home."As Mayor, Zohran will immediately freeze the rent for all stabilized tenants, and use every available resource to build the housing New Yorkers need and bring down the rent," his campaign website says.But the Rent Guidelines Board has the ultimate power to freeze the rent for rent-stabilized units. In February, Mamdani appointed six members to the nine-member board.The board decides annually if the rent should go up, and by how much. This summer, a vote is expected on if an increase should take place, putting the mayor's campaign promise to test.New efforts by Mamdani admin to meet campaign promiseThis week, the mayor announced