Tracy Rosenthal, a vocal advocate for rent abolition and a leader in New York City's housing activism, is the daughter of Steven Rosenthal, a music producer whose credits include albums by David Bowie, Coldplay, and the Foo Fighters.
Rosenthal, 39, has been engaged in a four-year rent strike at her Bed-Stuy apartment, which she claims she initiated due to issues with roaches and illegal rental units. She stated that her landlord refused to hire an exterminator, prompting her to organize with other tenants to withhold rent. According to court documents, Rosenthal and four other tenants are currently being sued for eviction by the building's new owner, US Bank, which alleges they have been "squatting upon the premises."
Her activism aligns with housing policies being advanced by the Mamdani administration, which has highlighted Rosenthal in city-released materials. Rosenthal's 2024 book, "Abolish Rent," outlines strategies for tenant organizing, including rent strikes and tactics aimed at pressuring landlords. She has spoken at events for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a group that has promoted her methods.
Rosenthal's father, Steven Rosenthal, founded The Magic Shop in 1988, a recording studio where he produced albums that achieved significant commercial success. His work includes Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" and David Bowie's final album, "Blackstar." The studio faced a protracted dispute with its landlord, ultimately closing in 2016. Steven Rosenthal, with financial backing from Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, attempted to purchase the studio space, but the bid was rejected by the building's co-op board.
Despite her advocacy for tenants facing housing insecurity, Rosenthal grew up in a $1.7 million apartment in NoMad and has attended the Grammy Awards multiple times with her father. She has been described by critics, such as investigative analyst Stu Smith of the Manhattan Institute, as a "saboteur" and "gaslighter."
Rosenthal was also involved as a strategist in a large-scale tenant organizing effort against Pinnacle Group, a landlord with over 5,200 units in Brooklyn and the Bronx. This campaign, which focused on securing repairs and obtaining forgiveness of back rent, was featured in a mini-documentary released by the Mayor's office. On the same day the documentary was released, August 4, Mayor Mamdani signed a "Right to Organize" letter, reinforcing tenants' rights to form tenant associations, echoing tactics promoted by Rosenthal.