The New York City Council is preparing to vote on a bill aimed at reducing the high upfront costs renters face when moving into new apartments by shifting broker fees to landlords.

Currently, New Yorkers spend an average of 15% of their annual rent on broker fees. The proposed bill would require the party hiring the broker, whether renter or landlord, to cover the fee. Authored by council member Chi Osse, the bill has garnered 33 sponsors—one short of a veto-proof majority.

Opponents argue the measure could push landlords to incorporate broker fees into monthly rents, potentially raising overall costs for tenants, except in rent-stabilized apartments where a mayor-appointed panel controls rent increases.

Mayor Eric Adams, a former real estate broker, expressed concerns that the bill doesn’t prevent landlords from embedding broker costs in the base rent, which could make the fee permanent rather than a one-time expense. “If you pass the cost to small property owners, they can build it into rent, turning a one-time fee into a permanent one,” he cautioned.

Council member Osse plans to hold a rally before the 1:30 p.m. vote on Wednesday, as rents continue to climb across the city, straining tenants’ budgets.