On the night of June 29, 2015, hundreds of tenants and activists gathered at Cooper Union’s Great Hall near Astor Place in Manhattan. They were assembled to witness a vote by the Rent Guidelines Board, which regulates the rents of New York’s more than one million rent-stabilized leases.

Since it was founded in 1969, the board had voted to increase rents every year. But this year was different. Skyrocketing rents, sympathetic press coverage, a well-organized campaign involving dozens of groups throughout the city, and a new and supportive mayor meant that the voice of tenants was louder than it had been in years.

The board voted not to permit rent raises on one-year leases. Tenants rejoiced. Landlords were outraged and called the move “unconscionable.” In fact, the activists won only some of their demands. New York’s landlords were as powerful as ever. But the 2015 rent freeze showed that in a city ruled by real estate, tenant power was alive and kicking.