New York Assembly Bill A07957

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/25
• Refer: 4/16/25

Caption

Requires a rebate of all rent paid to a landlord to be paid back to a tenant who was forced to vacate an illegal dwelling unit pursuant to an emergency vacate order or eviction.

Impact

The introduction of A07957 could have major implications for tenant rights in New York State, particularly in urban areas where illegal housing arrangements are common. It seeks to enforce accountability on landlords who knowingly rent out unsafe or unlawful living conditions without the tenants’ knowledge. By providing a mechanism for tenants to reclaim their paid rents, the bill incentivizes landlords to adhere to lawful occupancy standards and could promote compliance with housing regulations.

Summary

Bill A07957 aims to amend the Real Property Law in New York to provide significant protections and remedies for tenants who have been forced to vacate illegal dwelling units. Under this proposed law, tenants who are displaced due to emergency vacate orders can reclaim all rent paid during their tenancy in such illegal units. The bill defines 'illegal dwelling unit' as any unit that is prohibited from lawful residential occupancy, with strict conditions regarding the landlord’s knowledge of the unit’s legality at the time of leasing to tenants.

Contention

The bill may face contention regarding its enforcement and the financial burden it could place on landlords found guilty of renting illegal units. Opponents could argue that while the bill protects tenants, it may inadvertently encourage legal disputes between landlords and tenants. Furthermore, concerns might arise regarding the practical implications of the bill in terms of defining residential legality and the administrative burdens associated with tracking and reimbursing rent for displaced tenants.