A Ground-Level Look at a City Under Pressure
The recent New York Post profile of New Yorkers scrambling for summer leases shines a bright light on what many of us in the housing space already know: the pressure is real. From night-owl StreetEasy searches to last-minute bidding wars, the 2025 rental market has reached a level of urgency that’s impacting lives—and not just wallets.
Albert Dweck, CEO of Duke Properties, has seen this before—but this time, he says, it’s different.
“Today’s market isn’t just tight—it’s emotional. People are exhausted, stretched, and often priced out. That’s not the kind of environment where families thrive or communities grow,”
Albert Dweck of Duke Properties: Finding the Calm in the Chaos
Duke Properties owns and manages a portfolio of multifamily buildings in and around New York City, often with a focus on workforce housing and responsibly managed rent-stabilized units.
While other landlords may chase premiums during these peak months, Dweck emphasizes stability over speculation.
“We’re not in the business of winning bidding wars. We’re in the business of providing homes,” he said. “And that starts with treating tenants like people, not line items.”
Policy Shifts and Their Consequences
The Post’s article also highlights how recent policy changes, like the FARE Act, have rippled through the rental ecosystem—leading to spikes in off-market listings and rising rents as landlords pass along previously broker-covered costs to tenants.
“We understand the intention behind these laws “But when implementation happens without market coordination, the ones who suffer most are renters. Transparency and fairness should always go hand in hand.”
At Duke Properties, that means continuing to list publicly, clearly communicate lease terms, and maintain stable rents where possible—even in a scorching market.
Supporting Renters with Smarter Tools and Respect
Duke Properties has also increased its digital leasing tools, making it easier for renters to schedule tours, submit applications, and even report maintenance issues—all while limiting the stress of racing across the city in person.
And while bidding wars have become commonplace elsewhere, Dweck’s team actively avoids them.
“If multiple applications come in at once, we evaluate based on readiness, history, and fit—not who can offer $200 over asking,” . “That’s not housing—that’s an auction. And auctions aren’t good for long-term trust.”
Final Word from Albert Dweck
“We know we can’t fix the whole market—but we can run our buildings with compassion, clarity, and consistency,” Dweck said. “That’s how Duke Properties is helping real New Yorkers—like Daniela, like Abby—find homes they can count on.”