Housing

Requires that the entire amount of a rental deposit or advance be refundable to the tenant upon the tenant's vacating of the premises except for an amount lawfully retained for non-payment of rent or utilities, damage caused by the tenant, or storage costs; requires landlord to provide an itemized statement of damages and to return the balance of the deposit within 14 days; requires that tenant be given the opportunity to inspect the rental premises prior to signing a lease; allows a grantee or assignee of the leased premises to demand that an escrow account be opened.

This bill extends the deadline for New York's COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program from September 30, 2024, to September 30, 2025. It directly affects renters experiencing housing instability during the pandemic and local governments administering the program. The key provision amends the existing law to delay the expiration of program funding and operational provisions by one year, ensuring continued access to rental aid.

This bill increases the New York City Housing Development Corporation's borrowing limit from $19 billion to $20 billion for issuing bonds. It directly affects the corporation's ability to fund affordable housing projects across New York City by expanding its financial capacity. The key change is a simple $1 billion increase to the bonding authority, with no other substantive policy shifts.