BREAKING: Pols Make Tentative Deal on Rent Regs Extension

The New York Times reports that a tentative deal has been reached between Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate to extend rent protections for approximately one million units in the five boroughs and suburbs — including thousands of apartments in Brooklyn. 

If a deal holds through an expected vote this week, that means 2.5 million New Yorkers in rent regulated and controlled units can rest a little bit easier. 

On Friday, rent regulations were as the GOP and Democrats faced off over whether to merely extend or strengthen tenant protections.

But in a deal reportedly reached early Tuesday evening, the outlines of an agreement making it a bit tougher for landlords to deregulate units and charge higher rents began to take form.

Opinion from local tenant advocates, reacting to news of the tentative deal Tuesday night, was mixed.

"Overall, it's a disappointment. This is not real rent reform," said Elana Shneyer, director of organizing at the Pratt Area Community Council in Clinton Hill. "That being said, it's a big step... This is the first time since 1993 that the laws have not been gutted. But a lot still needs to be done."

Another tenant advocate organization that organized a rally in front of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office in Midtown last week, the Real Rent Reform Campaign, vowed to continue the fight.

"While we are disappointed in the outcome, we will never stop fighting for the repeal of vacancy destabilization and we will continue to work with our allies in the ongoing struggle for stronger rent laws," the group said in a statement.