The City of Newburgh has declared a housing emergency and opted into rent control under the Emergency Tenant Protection Act.

The Newburgh City Council voted unanimously Monday night.

The ETPA stabilizes rents in places that declare a state of emergency and covers buildings of six or more units that were built before 1974. Eligible tenants will also be protected from evictions, except on grounds allowed by law.

The council will now have 30 days to make a recommendation to the state department of community housing renewal for a rent guidelines board. This board will annually set limits on rent increase in stabilized apartments.