Housing (Tenant Rights)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3850: Enacts the "housing is a human right act"

This bill creates a New York State Affordable Housing Czar, who will lead a centralized office within the state housing division to coordinate all housing initiatives. The Czar must develop a state housing plan, create a public website for housing applications, monitor developer compliance with housing mandates, and serve as an ombudsman for residents seeking subsidized housing. It also establishes a 10-member volunteer task force (appointed by legislative leaders) to study affordable housing and submit recommendations to the legislature within one year. The bill directly affects New York residents seeking housing, landlords, developers, and state agencies managing housing programs. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates Affordable Housing Czar, centralized office, state housing plan, and monitors developer compliance to advance affordable housing initiatives and tenant access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homelessness Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8208: Requires persons with housing vouchers be informed of their rights and provided with a bill of such rights

This bill requires that individuals receiving housing vouchers and other forms of housing assistance are informed of their rights. It mandates that governmental and non-profit entities administering these programs provide a written "bill of rights" to current and prospective tenants. This document will detail protections against lawful source of income discrimination and available remedies. The bill of rights must be accessible online and provided in English and the 11 most common non-English languages spoken in the state.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates informed tenant rights and protections against income discrimination, strengthening tenant safeguards under housing assistance programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 538: Establishes tenant eligibility for certain housing accommodations

Prohibits persons whose income is greater than one hundred twenty-five percent of the area median income from occupying certain housing accommodations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingSets income cap at 125% AMI for housing, ensuring affordability for lower-income tenants and aligning with tenant protection policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6469: Grants domestic violence victims the same preference as granted to any other class of applicants

Requires the New York city housing authority, in reviewing applicants, to grant domestic violence victims the same preference as granted to any other class of applicants.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnsures domestic violence victims receive equal housing application preference, preventing discrimination in tenant access90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4465: 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; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes housing court to enforce housing standards, strengthening tenant protections and housing compliance through dedicated judicial oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1873: Requires the New York city housing authority to provide adequate and reliable internet service for all housing authority residents

This bill requires the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to provide all residents in public housing with reliable, 24/7 internet service at no additional cost. It directly affects approximately 400,000 NYCHA residents across over 170,000 housing units. The law mandates NYCHA to publish online reports detailing service disruptions (including internet outages), their duration, and repair steps starting May 1, 2025. The bill also updates existing housing law to include internet service under the same reporting standards as heat, water, and electricity. It takes effect immediately for the service requirement, with the reporting provisions aligning with prior 2024 law changes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates free, reliable internet for NYCHA residents, enhancing tenant living conditions and aligning with tenant protection standards in public housing.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free, reliable internet access for 400k public housing residents, directly expanding internet access and promoting digital equity per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Broadband Access

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4120: Relates to protections for renters using certain housing subsidies or public assistance

Protects renters using a housing subsidy or voucher, or receiving public assistance from discrimination by the housing provider based on such renters' income or use of such housing subsidy, voucher or public assistance.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects renters using housing subsidies from discrimination, directly advancing tenant protections and affordable housing access per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6471: Relates to the use of automated decision tools by landlords for making housing decisions

Bill S 6471 regulates how landlords use automated tools, such as AI or algorithms, when making housing decisions like screening applicants. It requires landlords to conduct an annual, independent "disparate impact analysis" to assess if the tool negatively affects protected groups, and a summary of this analysis must be publicly available. Landlords must also notify applicants at least 24 hours before using such a tool, explain the characteristics it assesses, and offer an alternative selection process or accommodation. If an application is denied using the tool, landlords must provide the reason for the denial.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires disparate impact analysis to prevent AI discrimination in tenant screening, directly aligning with tenant protection and anti-discrimination housing policies.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates AI housing tools with transparency requirements and bias assessments, aligning with data privacy/consumer protection indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7123: Relates to the reduction of taxes pursuant to shelter rent

This bill allows cities with a population over one million to reduce property taxes on qualifying affordable housing projects to zero percent. For other cities, it permits local governments to set taxes to zero percent upon approval. The tax exemption requires annual consent from the local legislative body, expires every ten years, and reverts to a minimum 10% tax rate if not renewed. It applies to projects financed through limited-profit housing programs and remains in effect as long as the project's mortgage loans are outstanding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill reduces property taxes to zero percent for affordable housing projects, providing direct tax relief for qualifying developments targeting lower-income housing needs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax exemptions for affordable housing projects, directly reducing costs to incentivize development and increase housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Property Taxes Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3100: Relates to the right of tenant association to have the first option to purchase a housing unit

This bill gives tenant associations in assisted rental housing the right to be the first to purchase their building if the owner plans to convert it (e.g., stop offering affordable rents). To qualify, a tenant association must form with support from at least 60% of tenants and notify the owner and housing division. If a third party makes a "bona fide offer" to buy the building, the tenant association can match that offer or purchase it at the appraised value. The bill applies specifically to properties with federal, state, or city rent restrictions that keep housing affordable for low-income households.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPreserves affordable housing by granting tenant associations first right to purchase their building, preventing conversion to non-affordable units.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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