Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance code, applicable housing standards, the building code, or the health code; relates to the number of housing judges assigned to certain actions.
Impact
The proposed legislation introduces specific quantitative guidelines for rent abatements based on the classification of violations (non-hazardous, hazardous, and immediately hazardous). For instance, a non-hazardous violation would result in a rent reduction of at least twenty percent, while immediately hazardous violations warrant at least sixty percent. These stipulations guarantee that tenants obtain fair compensation for deteriorated living conditions, thereby reinforcing the housing maintenance code's compliance and enhancing overall tenant welfare in New York City.
Summary
Bill S07633 aims to amend the New York City Civil Court Act regarding tenant rights and the process for seeking a rent abatement due to violations of housing maintenance codes, building codes, and health codes. The bill specifically allows tenants to initiate actions for rent reductions that correspond with the severity and duration of the violations affecting their living conditions. Under this bill, tenants can seek abatements beginning from the time the violation occurs until it is rectified, a provision that strengthens tenant protections within the housing market.
Contention
Discussions around the bill may involve contentious points, particularly among landlord associations and tenant advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the bill balances the power dynamic between tenants and landlords by ensuring that tenants are not financially burdened when living in substandard conditions. On the other hand, opponents from the landlord community may express concerns that such mandates impose financial burdens on property owners and could result in increased rents, as landlords might compensate for losses incurred through abatements by raising rental prices statewide.
Same As
Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance code, applicable housing standards, the building code, or the health code; relates to the number of housing judges assigned to certain actions.
Establishes a housing court for actions and proceedings involving the enforcement of state and local laws for the establishment and maintenance of housing standards; makes related provisions.
Establishes a housing court for actions and proceedings involving the enforcement of state and local laws for the establishment and maintenance of housing standards; makes related provisions.
Requires that any penalties for violations of housing standards or building and fire codes be assessed and imposed within fourteen days; increases certain fine amounts for violations of housing standards.
Requires that any penalties for violations of housing standards or building and fire codes be assessed and imposed within fourteen days; increases certain fine amounts for violations of housing standards.
Provides additional enforcement of housing maintenance code violations in the city of New York; requires the department of housing preservation and development to produce a list of owners/landlords with multiple violations; directs HPD to commence proceedings to be appointed as the administrator of buildings with multiple, longstanding violations; provides additional penalties.
Authorizes localities to establish administrative proceedings for the enforcement of state and local housing maintenance codes; permits administratively imposed penalties to be docketed and enforced in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action without further judicial proceedings.
Requires the state division of housing and community renewal to verify there are no class B or C housing code violations or no more than 30 class A housing code violations on the property prior to authorizing a rent increase for major capital improvements for such property; provides that outstanding violations shall be corrected by the landlord and verified by the city rent agency prior to authorization of a rent increase.
Relates to information available for inspection during certain special proceedings by certain tenants for judgment directing deposit of rents that are in the possession of the department charged with the enforcement of the housing maintenance code of the municipality; relates to the effectiveness of such provisions.
Relates to information available for inspection during certain special proceedings by certain tenants for judgment directing deposit of rents that are in the possession of the department charged with the enforcement of the housing maintenance code of the municipality; relates to the effectiveness of such provisions.