On Monday, August 11, 2026, a New York judge temporarily blocked Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rollout of a new tax targeting luxury second homes valued above $5 million. Judge Wayne Ozzi ordered City Hall to take down a list that exposed the names, addresses, and property values of more than 900,000 New York City homeowners.

The court’s signed order restrains the Mamdani administration from proceeding with the disputed property roll or sending notices and bars enforcement of deadlines against affected homeowners. It also prevents the city from imposing, assessing, or collecting the surcharge without first making individualized determinations and providing required notices under state tax law.

Attorney Randy Mastro criticized the administration’s rollout, calling it "botched" and alleging that the city sent letters to thousands of residents who live in their own homes and should not have been targeted. Mastro argued officials failed to properly use available information to identify qualifying properties and improperly shifted the burden onto homeowners to prove exemption. He said the publication of property owners’ information caused confusion and public backlash.

Mayor Mamdani expressed confidence in the legality of the city’s actions and the surcharge, stating that revenue from second homes worth over $5 million would fund "safer streets," "stronger schools," and other city services.

The judge’s decision marks a significant setback for the mayor’s administration amid ongoing scrutiny, including resurfaced clips of Mamdani associated with an outlet accused of spreading antisemitic conspiracies.

Sources