Bill > S00124

This bill establishes a specialized housing court with broad jurisdiction to handle legal matters related to housing standards and property issues. The housing court will have the power to address a wide range of actions, including imposing civil penalties for housing law violations, establishing and enforcing liens, issuing injunctions, handling property-related legal proceedings like foreclosures and partitions, appointing property rent receivers, and removing housing violations. The court will be staffed by judges specifically qualified in housing law, with requirements including at least five years of bar admission and two years of active practice. Judges will serve full-time five-year terms and can be reappointed based on performance. The bill also mandates that the housing court provide pro se clerks to assist individuals without legal representation, offering guidance on court procedures and filing. Importantly, the bill preserves parties' rights to a jury trial and allows municipal departments and other relevant agencies to be joined in proceedings to promote proper housing maintenance standards. The housing court will maintain jurisdiction over a case until all housing law violations for a specific building are resolved, and it can consolidate related actions involving the same property. The law will take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S124