Relates to tax abatement for rent-controlled and rent regulated property occupied by and real property owned by senior citizens or persons with disabilities.
Enacts the "NYCHA utility accountability act"; requires the NYCHA to provide a rent reduction to tenants who experience a disruption in utility service.
Provides that any landlord that is in mortgage foreclosure due to loss of rent payments cannot enter into a state of foreclosure until a court handling a special proceeding to recover rent resolves any rent issues.
Provides that any tenant who is evicted or otherwise removed from a dwelling unit as a result of a vacate order issued by any governmental agency or department due to fire shall be entitled to a suitable accommodation; defines suitable accommodation; makes related provisions.
This bill strengthens tenant protections in multi-unit buildings by allowing renters to withhold rent if housing violations (like unsafe conditions) aren't fixed within 3 months of the department's notice. Tenants must formally raise this defense in court and deposit the withheld rent with the clerk, rather than paying it directly to landlords. It applies only when the department has documented a violation and the owner failed to correct it, excluding cases where the tenant caused the issue or paid rent voluntarily. Landlords cannot evict tenants for nonpayment if the violation defense is validly raised. The law aims to ensure habitable housing by linking rent collection directly to building safety compliance.
Requires lessors or their authorized agent to provide a copy of a lease agreement upon written request of a residential lessee within thirty calendar days from the date of such request.
Establishes a tax credit for rent paid on the personal residence of certain taxpayers who lease the taxpayer's primary residence during the taxable year and who pay rent with respect to such residence in excess of thirty percent of such taxpayer's gross income for such taxable year.
Establishes a housing court for actions and proceedings involving the enforcement of state and local laws for the establishment and maintenance of housing standards; requires such court to establish an escrow account; provides that any landlord that owns twenty units or less shall be entitled to free legal services if such landlord can prove a loss of at least twenty percent of rent payments in a calendar year; makes related provisions.
Establishes a rental assistance loan-to-grant program to assist landlords of small rental properties who have lost rental income due to the inability of the landlords' tenants to pay rent during the COVID-19 state disaster emergency; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.
This bill prohibits landlords, lessors, sub-lessors, and grantors from requiring tenants to pay broker fees as part of the rental process. It directly affects residential tenants by eliminating a common cost added to rent applications or lease signings. The law allows landlords to still charge for background checks and credit checks but bans all other fees like broker commissions before or at the start of a tenancy. Exceptions apply to specific housing types, including retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and certain cooperative housing arrangements. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
