Dozens of residents and advocates gathered in Jackson Heights, Queens Saturday to urge state lawmakers to reform rent laws.

They say if Albany fails to renew state rent laws — which expire in June — one million families could face steep rent increases.

Advocates also say current laws allow landlords of rent-regulated buildings to raise rents while making only minimal improvements.

"The rent laws of New York are set to expire June 15th of this year, and if they’re not renewed tenants all across the state will lose basic protections they currently have, and rents will go through the roof. A lot of families will be displaced," said Hilary Klein of Make the Road New York.

"This is really important in a district like this where about 17,000 rent regulated apartments will be affected if we don’t pass significant rent reform laws in Albany," said State Assemblyman Francisco Moya.

The assemblyman went on to say he thinks the rent reform bill has enough support to pass later this year.

For the original article, please click here.