And in New York, housing rights advocates are celebrating after state lawmakers announced an agreement that would provide the strongest tenant protections in over a quarter of a century. The deal came just days ahead of the expiration of the current rent laws at the end of this week. Lawmakers agreed to abolish laws allowing landlords to deregulate rents on apartments after they exceed a certain limit. They also will curb provisions allowing landlords to raise the rent of rent-controlled apartments after renovations. The law is expected to give municipalities around the state more authority to regulate rents and ensure greater access to affordable housing.