What's happening
This bill establishes a public awareness program in New York to educate people about the risks of fraudulent leases and fake landlords.
Why it matters
Targets rising lease fraud. By requiring a statewide public awareness campaign, the bill acknowledges that fake landlords and fraudulent leases are a growing risk to renters, especially in competitive housing markets.
Focuses on prevention and education. The law mandates the development of educational materials—such as brochures—to help people recognize red flags and avoid falling victim before financial or legal harm occurs.
Empowers local communities. Materials will be distributed not only to the general public but also to local municipalities, increasing the likelihood that both individuals and local officials are better prepared to identify and respond to scams.
Clarifies agency responsibility. The bill formally tasks a state division with running the program, ensuring there is a clear point of accountability and ongoing effort rather than a one-time campaign.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Warn About Lease Fraud
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to housing
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 59–0
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.415
- Referred to housing, construction and community development
- Returned to senate
- Died in assembly
- Referred to housing
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 61–0
Show 4 earlier actions
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.449
- Referred to housing, construction and community development
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
628
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by Sens. BOYLE, BROOKS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing the lease and landlord fraud public awareness program to promote public awareness of the potential risks of signing a fraudulent lease with an individual misrepresenting themselves as a landlord
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subparagraphs 14 and 15 of paragraph (a) of subdivision 3 of section 94-a of the executive law, as added by section 21 of part A of chapter 62 of the laws of 2011, are amended and a new subparagraph 16 is added to read as follows:
(14) cooperate with and assist consumers in class actions in proper cases; [and]
(15) create an internet website or webpage pursuant to section three hundred ninety-c of the general business law[.]; and
(16) (i) establish the lease and landlord fraud public awareness program to promote public awareness of the potential risks of signing a fraudulent lease with an individual misrepresenting themselves as a landlord;
(ii) to implement the lease and landlord public awareness program, the division shall:
A. develop a public education and outreach campaign including, but not limited to, written materials and brochures to promote lease and landlord fraud awareness and educate the general public on fraudulent leases and individuals misrepresenting themselves as landlords; and
B. develop educational materials and brochures which shall be made available to the general public and local municipalities.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00066-01-9
S. 628 2
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing the lease and landlord fraud public awareness program to promote public awareness of the potential risks of signing a fraudulent lease with an individual misrepresenting themselves as a landlord
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill will create a public awareness program to inform the public of the risks of signing a fraudulent or invalid lease.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1. Amends the executive law .to create a public awareness program.
Section 2. Effective Date
Justification
Due to the recent housing crisis, many homes have been foreclosed or become abandoned homes. This has allowed for unscrupulous individuals to prey on those looking for housing to rent these homes as if they were their own. An individual signing into a false lease often end up losing their home, their rent payment and their security deposit. These deceived individuals are frequently then subject to town code violations.
A public awareness program will assist individuals who could be deceived into renting a house or apartment from individuals misrepresenting them- selves as landlords. This bill will require the Division of Housing and Community Renewal to create a public awareness campaign to warn would-be renters about lease and landlord fraud.
Prior legislative history
2016: Passed Senate, referred to Assembly Housing 06/21/17 COMMITTED TO RULES 06/20/18 COMMITTED TO RULES
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the 180 day after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.