Housing (Tenant Rights)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1453: Relates to rent impairing violations and eviction proceedings

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly strengthens tenant protections by allowing rent withholding for unaddressed housing violations, directly advancing tenant rights in housing conditions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7586: Prohibits increase in maximum rents unless essential tenant services are maintained

Prohibits any increase in the average monthly rental of a property by a limited-profit housing company unless the appropriate local housing agency certifies that there exists no recorded violations against such property or that all recorded violations have been cleared, corrected or abated, and that such company is maintaining all essential services required to be furnished.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents rent increases unless essential services are maintained, directly protecting tenants from unfair hikes during service failures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6511: Requires lessors to provide a copy of a lease agreement upon written request of a residential lessee

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates landlords provide lease copies to tenants, directly enhancing tenant transparency and protection - a core housing policy component.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 14, 2025

S 1843: Requires public housing authorities with housing complexes containing one hundred or more units to provide food and drinking water for all tenants in the affected buildings each day of a water service disruption

Requires public housing authorities with housing complexes containing one hundred or more units to provide at least three meals or meal vouchers and drinking water for all tenants in the affected buildings each day of a disruption in water services that requires a pause of tenant use of water for drinking or cooking lasting over twenty-four hours.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates food/water provision during water disruptions, strengthening tenant protections during emergencies in public housing complexes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5864: Establishes a tax credit for rent paid on the personal residence of certain taxpayers

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credit for renters paying >30% of income in rent, offering tax relief to lower/middle-income households per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax credit for renters paying >30% of income on rent directly supports affordable housing affordability for low-income tenants.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Property Taxes Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 21, 2026

S 3152: Establishes the Monroe county housing advocate program

Establishes the Monroe county housing advocate program to provide to residents of Monroe county, information and resources to current or prospective tenants on housing issues such as securing housing, eviction matters, issue resolution with landlords, and any other topics such advocate deems important; and referrals to legal assistance or social service providers when applicable; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes housing advocate program providing tenant resources, eviction support, and legal referrals, strengthening tenant protections per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 162: Relates to the provision of legal representation to certain persons in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings

Requires counties and/or cities to establish a plan for providing legal counsel to persons who are defendants or respondents in eviction, ejectment and foreclosure proceedings and who are financially unable to obtain counsel; defines eligible person as one whose gross individual income is not in excess of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal income official poverty line; requires the state to match dollar for dollar the amount counties appropriate for their plans.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state/local funding for legal aid in housing cases, increasing public service spending through required appropriations and state matching funds.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides legal counsel in evictions for low-income tenants, strengthening tenant protections and preventing homelessness - directly supports housing stability95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3275: Establishes a housing court

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes housing court to enforce housing standards, requiring escrow and strengthening tenant protections via dedicated legal enforcement mechanism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2065: Establishes a rental assistance loan-to-grant program to assist landlords due to the COVID-19 pandemic

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides financial assistance to landlords to maintain rental properties during pandemic, supporting housing stability and preventing property abandonment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 571: Prohibits landlords, lessors, sub-lessors and grantors from demanding brokers' fees from a tenant

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEliminates tenant broker fees, reducing rental costs and enhancing affordability, directly supporting tenant protection and affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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