Relates to rent regulation and real property tax abatements

BILL NUMBER:S5953

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 576 of the laws of 1974 amending the emergency housing rent control law relating to the control of and stabilization of rent in certain cases, the emergency housing rent control law, chapter 329 of the laws of 1963 amending the emergency housing rent control law relating to recontrol of rents in Albany, chapter 555 of the laws of 1982 amending the general business law and the administrative code of the city of New York relating to conversion of residential property to cooperative or condominium ownership in the city of New York, chapter 402 of the laws of 1983 amending the general business law relating to conversion of rental residential property to cooperative or condominium ownership in certain municipalities in the counties of Nassau, Westchester and Rockland and the rent regulation reform act of 1997, in relation to extending the effectiveness thereof (Part A); to amend the public housing law, in relation to establishing a tenant protection unit within the division of housing and community renewal (Part B); to amend the public housing law and the tax law, in relation to income verification for rent controlled apartments (Part C); to amend the administrative code of the city of New York and the emergency tenant protection act of nineteen seventy-four, in relation to enforcement of rent control laws (Part D); and prohibiting the subletting of rent controlled apartments except under limited circumstances (Part E)

Summary of provisions

Part A: Extends provisions associated with rent regulation for a period of eight years

Part B: Codifies provisions associated with the establishment and authority of the Tenant Protection Unit

Part C: Establishes a verification system to review those qualified to reside in rent regulated apartments

Part D: Increases maximum penalties associated with tenant harassment

Part E: Places qualifications on rent regulated apartments associated with subletting

Justification

This legislation establishes extensions and reforms associated with rent regulated apartments within New York State. These provisions allow for a continuation of the current program as well as codify protections for those most vulnerable. Through these changes this program will provide better transparency, public oversight and control of this valued public benefit that best protect current residents from abuse, and ensure that there is continued access to safe, habitable and affordable housing in New York State.

Legislative history

New Legislation

Fiscal implications

Nominal

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.