Provides penalties when a landlord of a residential premises refuses to rent to a potential tenant on the basis that the potential tenant was involved in a past or pending landlord-tenant action or summary proceeding.
Impact
If enacted, A08245 would significantly change the landscape of tenant rights in New York. Tenants would gain the ability to take legal action if they believe they have been unfairly denied housing based on their previous rental disputes. The bill establishes a two-year statute of limitations for tenants to file lawsuits and emphasizes that such action can be taken independently of any proceedings involving the attorney general. This modification is expected to enhance accountability among landlords and discourage discriminatory practices in rental decisions.
Summary
Bill A08245 seeks to amend the real property law in New York by introducing new penalties for landlords who refuse to rent to potential tenants based on their involvement in past landlord-tenant disputes. This legislation aims to protect tenants from discrimination linked to their previous rental history, particularly in cases where they may have faced eviction or legal actions. By allowing tenants to file suit against landlords who violate this provision, the bill intends to provide injured tenants with a clear path to seek justice, including the possibility of temporary and permanent injunctive relief as well as damages.
Contention
During the discussions surrounding A08245, there have been notable concerns from landlord associations who argue that the bill could lead to increased litigation and potential abuse of the legal system. Critics of the measure express worries that it may incentivize speculative lawsuits from tenants attempting to exploit the new legal framework. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that the bill serves to empower tenants and uphold the principle of fair access to housing, especially for those disadvantaged by their rental history. The debate highlights a fundamental tension between protecting tenant rights and the autonomy of landlords in making rental decisions.
Same As
Provides penalties when a landlord of a residential premises refuses to rent to a potential tenant on the basis that the potential tenant was involved in a past or pending landlord-tenant action or summary proceeding.
Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider.
Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider.
Requires gas and electric utilities to make available to landlords or lessors, upon request of prospective tenants or lessees, information concerning gas and electric charges incurred for residential rental premises.
Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by such landlord as a result thereof, provided such dishonored check fee was included in the initial lease.
Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by such landlord as a result thereof, provided such dishonored check fee was included in the initial lease.