Housing (Renters)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1656: Approves major capital improvement rent increases and extends the length of time over which major capital improvement expenses may be recovered

This bill extends the time landlords in New York City can recover costs for major building improvements (like roof, plumbing, or heating upgrades) from 12 to 12.5 years for buildings with over 35 units, while keeping the 12-year period for smaller buildings. It limits annual rent increases tied to these improvements to 2% per year, requires landlords to notify tenants of the temporary increase amount and effective date, and mandates that work must be verified as completed before increases take effect. The changes apply to buildings with 35+ units and specifically exclude cosmetic repairs or operational costs from qualifying for these rent adjustments. Landlords must also disclose tenant harassment history and ensure no hazardous building violations exist before approval.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill caps annual rent increases at 2% for capital improvements, requires tenant notification, and mandates work verification, protecting tenants from excessive hikes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4087: Requires return of a security deposit by a landlord within 30 days unless the landlord gives written notice of retention for legally authorized cause

Requires a landlord to return to a tenant the full security deposit within thirty days of the surrender of the premises by such tenant unless the landlord provides such tenant with a written statement listing the reasons for the retention of any portion of the deposit; sets forth particular situations for which the landlord may retain such security deposit; renders the landlord liable for treble damages for any violation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to return security deposits within 30 days with written justification, protecting tenants from unlawful retention and imposing treble damages for violations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 654: Increases penalties for owners of rent-regulated property who overcharge tenants

This bill increases penalties for landlords who overcharge tenants in rent-regulated housing. If a landlord is found to have willfully overcharged, they must pay five times the overcharge amount (up from three times). Landlords can avoid the higher penalty by proving the overcharge was unintentional and not due to negligence, in which case they pay only the overcharge plus interest. The bill also clarifies that voluntary rent refunds after a complaint is filed cannot be used as evidence the overcharge was not willful.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases penalties for rent overcharges in regulated housing, strengthening tenant protections against exploitation. Directly addresses tenant rights in housing context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate May 6, 2025

S 7781: Relates to remedies for a violation of the prohibition on a landlord from refusing to rent due to a tenant's involvement in a prior dispute

Provides penalties when a landlord of a residential premises refuses to rent to a potential tenant on the basis that the potential tenant was involved in a past or pending landlord-tenant action or summary proceeding.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents landlord discrimination based on prior tenant disputes, directly protecting tenant rights per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

S 3845: Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by such landlord as a result thereof

Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by such landlord as a result thereof, provided such dishonored check fee was included in the initial lease.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlords from charging excessive fees for bounced rent checks, directly strengthening tenant protections by capping charges at actual costs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 15, 2026

A 5344: Provides for adjustment of the maximum income threshold for eligibility for SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE and DHE by any increase in the consumer price index

Provides for adjustment of the maximum income threshold for eligibility for the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE), disability rent increase exemption (DRIE), senior citizen homeowners' exemption (SCHE), and disabled homeowners' exemption (DHE) by any increase in the consumer price index (CPI).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdjusts income thresholds for tax exemptions (SCRIE/DRIE/SCHE/DHE) using CPI, maintaining eligibility for seniors/disabled homeowners and providing ongoing tax relief to lower-income groups.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdjusts income thresholds for housing exemptions (SCRIE/DRIE/SCHE/DHE) with CPI, maintaining affordability for seniors/disabled residents by preventing eligibility loss due to inflation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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died · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 1457: Provides for adjustment of the maximum income threshold for eligibility for SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE and DHE by any increase in the consumer price index

Provides for adjustment of the maximum income threshold for eligibility for the senior citizen rent increase exemption (SCRIE), disability rent increase exemption (DRIE), senior citizen homeowners' exemption (SCHE), and disabled homeowners' exemption (DHE) by any increase in the consumer price index (CPI).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdjusts tax exemption thresholds to maintain eligibility amid inflation, preserving tax relief for seniors/disabled homeowners - a direct tax relief measure for lower-income groups.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdjusts income thresholds for housing exemptions (SCRIE/DRIE/SCHE/DHE) to CPI, maintaining affordability for seniors/disabled renters/homeowners. Directly supports tenant protections and affordable housing access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Taxes Renters

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5547: Extends the effectiveness of certain provisions dealing with tax exemptions for rent regulated properties occupied by certain persons

Extends the effectiveness of certain provisions dealing with tax exemptions for rent regulated properties occupied by senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends tax exemptions for senior citizens/disabled renters, providing targeted tax relief to lower-income groups per Budget & Taxes indicators.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends tax exemptions for rent-regulated properties occupied by seniors/disabled, preserving affordable housing access and tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3164: Relates to permitting lessees the option to pay security deposits in installments

This bill allows tenants in New York to pay security deposits in up to six equal monthly installments for leases lasting one year or longer. Landlords cannot charge extra fees or interest for this payment option, and the installment terms must be clearly written into the rental agreement. The law requires the total deposit amount and each installment payment to be specified upfront in the contract. Violations by landlords could result in civil fines up to 15% of the annual rent.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables installment security deposits for tenants, preventing extra fees and reducing upfront costs, directly strengthening tenant affordability and protection under housing policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 1646: Extends the answer time when a major capital improvement rent increase has been filed to ninety days

This bill extends the time tenants have to respond to landlord applications for rent increases based on major building renovations, from 60 to 90 days. It directly affects tenants in New York City rent-stabilized buildings when landlords file such applications. The change modifies specific sections of the city's administrative code and rent control laws to update the response period. This provides tenants with more time to review proposed rent hikes before they take effect.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends tenant response time from 60 to 90 days for rent increase applications, strengthening tenant protections in NYC rent-stabilized buildings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters

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