Legal Services NYC Congratulates Sagar Sharma on His Appointment to NYC’s Rent Guidelines Board

NEW YORK, NY – Legal Services NYC congratulates, Sagar Sharma, Deputy Director for Housing in Legal Services NYC’s Manhattan office, who signed an oath today officially joining New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board. Sharma will join eight other members tasked with considering economic data and the experiences of renters and property owners before deciding whether to raise or freeze rents on rent-stabilized apartments. The board is composed of two tenant representatives, two landlord representatives, and five community members. Mayor Adams announced Sharma’s appointment to the board to represent tenant interests last week. 

Below is a statement from Shervon Small, Executive Director of Legal Services NYC, and Sagar Sharma on his appointment to the Rent Guidelines Board:

“We could not be prouder of Sagar for being selected to represent tenants’ interest on NYC’s Rent Guidelines Board,” Shervon Small said. “While many have framed all of the Mayor’s appointments as a political maneuver, I have no doubt that Sagar will faithfully fight on behalf of tenants and their ability to access stable and affordable housing as he has here at Legal Services NYC.

“Sagar is a fierce advocate for New York City’s most vulnerable tenants, using the law to keep a roof over families’ heads, to keep homes safe and livable, and to ensure that tenants have access to affordable housing,” Small continued. “At Legal Service NYC, he sees firsthand the devastating impact of soaring rents, gentrifying neighborhoods, and the lack of affordable housing options on marginalized communities. We look forward to seeing Sagar uplift tenants’ perspectives and experiences to the board as they make balanced decisions that impact millions of rent-stabilized tenants in New York City.”  

“I am honored to serve on NYC’s Rent Guidelines Board and look forward to helping the board make informed decisions about rent levels that impact millions of New Yorkers,” Sagar Sharma said.  “As a tenant advocate and a lifelong New Yorker, I know how difficult it is for hardworking New Yorkers to afford rent, especially amid a housing crisis and soaring rents. I will bring these experiences and perspectives to the board and will fight hard to ensure that the board understands the hard economic realities that millions of New Yorkers face every day.” 

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Legal Services NYC fights poverty and seeks racial, social, and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 50 years, LSNYC has challenged systemic injustices that trap people in poverty and helped clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care. Our staff of dedicated advocates have deep roots in the communities we serve so New Yorkers and their families can access the services, resources, and protections they need to survive. www.legalservicesnyc.org