The State of Politics blog is reporting a provision that could extend rent control to communities outside of the New York City metropolitan area has gained momentum as state lawmakers seek to extend and strengthen rent regulations statewide. The proposal would require both a county and municipal government to support the creation of a board setting rent regulations. Communities with a vacancy rate of less than 5 percent would be eligible. State of Politics learned from a source June 3, the measure was “moving in the right direction” as part of the broader rent control discussions. Rent control expires this month. Housing advocates are seeking the approval of nine different bills that provide needed tenant protections. Still, one measure, the so-called good cause eviction provision meant to guard against excessive rent increases remains up in the air. Read the full story at NY State of Politics [dot] com.