Search Results for: Tenant Protections

COMMENTARY: Creating Social Housing in the Sky

By Assemblymember Harvey Epstein and Senator Cordell Cleare

The next innovation in the pursuit of permanently affordable housing for New Yorkers can be found amongst the glistening luxury high-rise condominiums. These high-rise condominium complexes will also include the next wave of cooperatively-owned and community-controlled affordable homeownership opportunities in New York City — social housing in the sky — if our bill, the recently updated Martin Act amendment (S3566A/A6921A), becomes law.

City Commits $3.1 Million Over Four Years to Combat Source of Income Discrimination

On March 2, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced that$3.1 million will go towards efforts to combat source-of-income discrimination for New Yorkers who rely on rental assistance. Source-of-income discrimination is an illegal practice by landlords, owners, and real estate brokers who refuse to rent to current or prospective tenants seeking to pay for housing with vouchers, subsidies, or other public assistance.

Governor Announces Investment in Statewide Fair Housing Testing Program

On February 24th, 2023, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced a state-wide, $2.2 million investment in New York’s Fair Housing Testing Program. The expansion will be overseen and administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Fair and Equitable Housing Office. The purpose of the Fair Housing Testing Program is to increase investigations into housing discrimination and enhance education and outreach efforts for fair housing rights, including for individuals with a … <Read More>

Comptroller’s Report Finds Chronic Lack of Heat Issues in Over 1,000 Buildings, Recommendations to Enhance City Response

On January 9, 2023, the Office of Comptroller Brad Lander released a new report “Turn Up the Heat,” which reviews the City’s efforts in addressing chronic heat complaints. By law, from October 1 through May 31, landlords are required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees in the daytime when outdoor temperatures are below 55 degrees, and at least 62 degrees indoors at night, regardless of the outdoor temperature. Hot water must also be provided … <Read More>

West Park Presbyterian Church Responds to Public Testimony

Following Landmarks’ firsthand visit to the site, West Park was given an additional opportunity to speak in support of their hardship application. On July 19, 2022, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public meeting to question the West Park Presbyterian Church about their hardship application. The building is designed in the Romanesque Revival style and located at 165 West 86th Street in Manhattan.