Council Votes to Create Supportive Housing Tenants’ Bill of Rights, Reporting Requirements

The bill of rights provides tenants with necessary rights and information to help them maintain their housing. On December 9, 2021, the City Council voted to approve two bills related to supportive housing. Supportive housing is a form of affordable housing with on-site social and supportive services targeted primarily at formerly homeless households. The bills, both sponsored by Council Member Stephen Levin, create a supportive housing tenants’ bill of rights and require the Department of <Read More>


City Council Passes Three Bills for Tenants Rights to Counsel and Privacy

Free representation in housing court for low income tenants will now be available citywide. On April 29, 2021, the City Council passed three bills advancing tenants rights. Two of the bills focus on expanding the right to counsel in housing court for tenants citywide and an outreach program to notify tenants of their rights. The third bill focuses on tenant data privacy. All three bills were sponsored by Council Member Mark Levine. 


Mayor Signs Tenants’ Bill Of Rights into Law

Laws require tenants to be informed of landlord responsibilities and increase penalties for tenant harassment. On September 30, 2014 Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Local Law 45 and Local Law 47 of 2014 into law. The bills, referred to as the Tenants’ Bill Of Rights, were sponsored by Council Member Fernando Cabrera and Council Member Margaret Chin respectively, and are directed to increase protection of New York City tenants.


City Council Passes Legislation to Limit Fees Landlords Can Collect From Tenants for Early Vacancies

The bill amends the landlord’s duty to mitigate damages for an early vacancy of a leased residence. On November 23, 2021, the City Council passed Int. 2312-A, which limits the fees landlords can collect from tenants who vacate prior to the end of a lease to prepare the property for the next rental. The bill, sponsored by Council Member Kevin C. Riley, helps balance the needs of landlords to pay for the maintenance of units <Read More>


Council Committees Consider Two COVID-19 Tenant Protection Bills

Testimonies at the public hearing revealed concerns about the two bills and their impact on the City’s tenants and landlords. On April 28, 2020, the City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings, and Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing held a joint public hearing on two bills that will provide protection to residential and commercial tenants who are financially impacted by COVID-19. Introduction 1912, sponsored by Council Speaker Corey Johnson, will prohibit court … <Read More>