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.
The implications of S07781 are significant for both landlords and tenants within New York State. It reinforces the legal standing of potential tenants who may have faced unjust rejections based on prior disputes. The bill introduces clear remedies that can be pursued in court, thereby empowering tenants to challenge discriminatory practices more effectively. As such, it aims to foster a more equitable housing landscape by addressing the barriers that some individuals encounter when seeking housing after previous legal issues with landlords.
Bill S07781 seeks to amend the real property law in New York by introducing provisions for legal recourse for tenants who face discrimination from landlords based on their past involvement in landlord-tenant actions or summary proceedings. Under this bill, if a landlord refuses to rent to a potential tenant due to their previous legal disputes, the tenant is granted the right to pursue both temporary and permanent injunctions along with damages, including reasonable attorney's fees. This legislation is framed within efforts to protect tenant rights and ensure fair housing opportunities for all individuals seeking rental properties.
There could be potential contention surrounding the enforcement of this bill, particularly regarding the definitions of 'past or pending landlord-tenant actions' and how they may be interpreted in court. Landlords may argue that this bill infringes on their property rights and complicates the leasing process by exposing them to legal challenges should they make decisions based on a tenant's rental history. Moreover, the bill's provision for damages and attorney's fees could raise concerns about the financial burden on landlords, especially small property owners who may inadvertently violate the new regulations.