As New York City grapples with an unprecedented housing crisis, a new documentary from PBS’s VOCES series, titled ‘Slumlord Millionaire,’ reveals the harsh realities faced by tenants.
With an apartment vacancy rate plummeting to an all-time low of 1.4%, the demand for housing far exceeds supply, leaving many New Yorkers feeling trapped and powerless.
The film highlights how landlords, emboldened by this scarcity, often raise rents dramatically and neglect essential maintenance.
In some cases, there are reports of landlords working covertly to displace long-term tenants, aiming to re-list apartments at significantly higher rates, which in turn drives costs up across neighborhoods and disrupts community bonds.
‘Given the current climate, the stakes are incredibly high for tenants everywhere in the city,’ said directors Steph Ching and Ellen Martinez during a recent interview.
Ellen, who has lived in Williamsburg for a decade, shared her personal experiences of the escalating costs: ‘Housing costs have become unaffordable.
I was pregnant while filming and now have a toddler. Finding more space in the neighborhood is prohibitively expensive for most people.’
The documentary is rooted in the directors’ personal narratives as long-time New York residents.
‘In our 20 years of living here, witnessing families who have called Williamsburg home for decades being pushed out has been disheartening,’ she continued.
They began researching and filming the documentary in 2019, spurred by alarming accounts of landlords employing predatory tactics against tenants.
This included the deliberate shutdown of vital services such as heat and hot water, as well as ignoring necessary repairs and allowing infestations to flourish.
These tactics were often found to correlate directly with gentrification trends across New York City neighborhoods.
The filmmakers emphasized that while some of these actions seemed illegal, many landlords exploited loopholes in the city’s legal framework to evade accountability.
Ching added, ‘We aimed to explore the systemic roots of these issues and how they perpetuate the current crisis.
Each tenant’s story could have stood alone, but we wanted to present a collective picture of the magnitude and interconnectedness of the crisis.’
Most of the documentary was filmed in 2022, culminating in a premiere at DOC NYC 2024.
Both filmmakers expressed excitement about sharing the film with audiences and participating in community discussions throughout the city.
When asked about the kinds of protections needed for tenants, Martinez highlighted the importance of stronger policies and dedicated politicians willing to effect change.
‘Housing is a top issue in this mayoral election; we encourage everyone to do their research and vote,’ she said.
Throughout the film, the goal is to foster a sense of solidarity among those experiencing housing struggles.
‘We want to show people that they are not alone in their fight,’ Martinez explained.
The documentary addresses the growing issue of deed fraud as well, which she noted is both complex and increasingly prevalent.
‘This is not your fault; it is a crime that needs to be prosecuted,’ she insisted.
For viewers who may not be experiencing housing issues, the filmmakers hope to inspire them to pay attention to their neighbors.
‘In some buildings, landlords might let one unit deteriorate while simultaneously renting out a neighboring apartment for five times that rate,’ said Ching.
She encourages community members to stay observant and involved, particularly in areas where neighbors are vocalizing their concerns.
In their closing statements, the filmmakers emphasize the importance of community engagement, offering various ways for viewers to connect with organizations highlighted in ‘Slumlord Millionaire.’
To support the fight against deed theft, they recommend joining Homeowners United: The People’s Coalition.
For those wishing to engage with the Asian and Asian American voting community, CAAAV Voice has been instrumental in initiatives like Zohran Mamdani’s primary win.
The film is readily available on PBS App, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Xfinity, and it aims to stimulate conversations about the pressing issues of housing insecurity and tenant rights.
The filmmakers invite anyone interested in hosting screenings or community discussions to reach out.
For updates regarding screenings and events, followers can connect through their Instagram handle @slumlordmillionairefilm.
image source from：greenpointers
