Housing (Renters)

Provides that certain charitable and non-profit institutions shall not have the right to refuse to renew a lease of any current or future tenant occupying housing accommodations owned by such institution except where specifically authorized by law.

Establishes the civil right to counsel in eviction proceedings in New York state; creates the New York state office of civil representation; requires that covered individuals be given notice of such right to counsel.

This bill (A 2729) requires landlords to offer tenants the option to have their rent payments reported to credit bureaus to improve their credit scores. Landlords must provide written notice at lease signing and annually, detailing the reporting terms, including a $5 monthly fee limit (if charged), and explaining how tenants can opt in or out (with a 6-month waiting period after opting out). It directly affects renters seeking to build credit and landlords who must follow specific disclosure rules. The law does not require reporting but mandates clear tenant consent and transparency about the service.

This bill requires local social services districts to set shelter allowances at up to 100% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) fair market rent (FMR) for a recipient's unit size in their district. It directly affects low-income housing recipients who receive shelter assistance through local social services districts. The key provision mandates that allowances cover the recipient's actual rent obligation, capped at HUD's current FMR for their specific area and unit size. This change ensures assistance aligns with local rental market rates rather than fixed or lower rates. The bill takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Relates to rental discrimination based upon consumer credit history; prohibits a person from refusing to rent or lease or otherwise to deny to or withhold from any person or group of persons housing accommodations because of the consumer credit history of such person or persons, or to represent that any housing accommodation is not available for rental or lease when in fact it is so available; defines consumer credit history.