People already struggling to afford the staggering cost of living in New York City were hit with a new, ominous figure on Thursday: A panel that regulates rent-stabilized apartments discussed rent increases of 15.75 percent on two-year leases, the highest such figure in almost two decades. New York City’s roughly one million rent-stabilized apartments are considered a crucial source of affordable housing. They are supposed to be insulated from market forces that have sent asking rents in unregulated apartments soaring. Last year, the panel, known as the Rent Guidelines Board, allowed the largest increases in almost a decade — 3.25 percent on one-year leases and 5 percent on two-year leases — citing rising costs for landlords. But while the figures discussed on Thursday suggest that tenants should prepare for another increase, it is unlikely the board will ultimately endorse the highest figures.

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