Bill > S07402

This bill amends the Multiple Dwelling Law and the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law to address rent-impairing violations and eviction proceedings. The key provisions are: 1. Reducing the time for owners to correct a rent-impairing violation from 6 months to 3 months before tenants can withhold rent. It also requires the Department to notify tenants and owners when a rent-impairing violation is placed in their apartment, including information on the tenant's right to raise the violation as a defense against rent nonpayment. 2. Allowing lawful occupants who have been unlawfully evicted or dispossessed to commence a proceeding to be restored to possession upon proving the eviction was unlawful. 3. Allowing the court to issue a default judgment against a non-appearing respondent in an eviction proceeding and stay the issuance of the warrant for up to 10 days, with certain exceptions. The bill applies to all pending proceedings upon its immediate effective date.