NYC proposes disclosure rules for AI-altered rental listings

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration proposed requiring landlords and realtors to disclose when rental listings include AI-generated or AI-edited images. The recommendation is part of a report released by the Mayor’s Office, titled the 'Rental Ripoff Report,' which outlines measures to address deceptive landlord practices. The report specifically calls for disclosing 'when rental listings have been altered using artificial intelligence or other digital tools.'

The administration framed the proposal as a response to tenant complaints about misleading listings, particularly those involving AI-generated or edited images that misrepresent property conditions. According to the report, tenants signing leases remotely—such as those relocating for work—are especially vulnerable to such deception.

The proposal follows a series of 'Rental Ripoff Hearings' held across New York City’s five boroughs, during which the administration met with 2,400 residents to gather input on housing issues. Tenant safety and living conditions were highlighted as major concerns, alongside deceptive practices by landlords. The report emphasizes that the policies are 'rooted in real experiences and address real concerns,' according to Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.

In addition to the AI disclosure rule, the report recommends recognizing tenant unions and expanding tenants’ bargaining rights as part of broader efforts to improve housing conditions and accountability for landlords. Mayor Mamdani stated that the measures aim to ensure 'every New Yorker deserves a safe home' and that landlords who fail to provide safe housing will be held accountable.