The public will get a chance to sound off on potential rent hikes this afternoon at a Rent Guidelines Board hearing in Brooklyn.

Last month, the board suggested hikes of 3.5 to 7 percent on one-year leases, and 5.5 to 9.5 percent on two-year leases.

Landlords had been calling for rent hikes of 10 to 15 percent, citing the rising price of heating oil, property taxes, and other costs. Tenants argue that landlords will still make a healthy profit, but worry higher rents will force people out of the city.

Today’s hearing is being held at 5 p.m. at the New York City College of Technology on Jay Street in downtown Brooklyn. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn are among those scheduled to testify.

The next hearing is set for Monday at Cooper Union in Manhattan.

The board will announce the rent hikes next Thursday.

(Source: NY1 / YWN Desk)