From left to right: Don Schacknai, First Deputy Commissioner of HPD, Miguilania Rincon, tenant, Mayor de Blasio, Public Advocate James, Commissioner Steven Banks, HRA/DSS, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. Image Credit: Anna Bower.

City forces eight landlords to fix building code violations in twelve buildings by threatening to stop paying rent for tenants on public assistance. On May 26, 2016, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Public Advocate Letitia James announced the use of the 1962 New York State Spiegel Law as a tool to compel landlords to fix violations for tenants receiving public assistance. Landlords who do not complete repairs quickly will lose out on rent payments. (more…)