New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is taking aim at deceptive landlord practices, including the use of AI-generated and AI-edited images in rental listings. The move comes just a day after his administration announced a "click-to-cancel" rule targeting companies like Adobe.
Rental Ripoff Report Released
Mamdani and his team released a "Rental Ripoff Report" today. The report outlines recommendations that would require landlords and realtors to disclose when they have used artificial intelligence to alter their listings, including any imagery.
Along with measures such as recognizing tenant unions and expanding tenants' bargaining rights, the report states that landlords should "disclose when rental listings have been altered using artificial intelligence or other digital tools."
A Growing Problem
Misleading AI-generated and AI-edited images in real estate listings are an increasingly serious issue, one that extends far beyond New York City. While the results are sometimes funny or even terrifying, there is nothing humorous about tenants being deceived when the reality does not match the photos in a listing. This is especially problematic for tenants who have to sign a lease remotely, such as when moving to a new city for a job.
Hearings Across the Boroughs
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After Mayor Mamdani established the Rental Ripoff Hearings during his first week in office, he met with 2,400 New Yorkers across each borough to hear about the issues a wide range of people faced. Safety and living conditions were a major focus, as were deceptive practices by landlords.
"At Rental Ripoff Hearings across the five boroughs, we heard from thousands of New Yorkers living with mold that was never treated, pests that were never addressed and fees that were never explained. Listening was only the first step. This report turns those stories into concrete action. From requiring disclosure of AI-altered listings to bringing our code enforcement systems into the 21st century and finally recognizing tenant unions, we are making it clear that every New Yorker deserves a safe home, and every landlord who refuses to provide one will be held accountable," Mayor Mamdani said.
Official Statements
Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg added, "These policies are rooted in real experiences and address real concerns."
Cea Weaver, Director of the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants, said, "The Rental Ripoff Hearings and today's report are writing a new chapter in tenant power in New York City. Governing is a partnership. By bringing tenants' voices directly into policy and taking unprecedented steps to facilitate tenant organizing across the city, we are showing what governing with New Yorkers looks like."