Bill > A00654

This bill increases the penalties for owners of rent-regulated properties who overcharge tenants by raising the monetary penalty from three times to five times the amount of the overcharge. Specifically, the bill amends two existing laws - the Emergency Tenant Protection Act and the New York City Administrative Code - to strengthen protections for tenants in cities and towns with rent regulation. Under the new provisions, if a property owner is found to have willfully overcharged a tenant, they will be liable to the tenant for a penalty equal to five times the amount of the overcharge, instead of the previous three times penalty. If the owner can prove the overcharge was not willful, they will still be required to repay the overcharged amount plus interest. The bill applies to housing accommodations in cities with populations under one million and in towns or villages where an emergency has been declared. Importantly, voluntary adjustments of rent or refunds after a complaint is filed will not be considered evidence that the overcharge was not willful. The changes aim to discourage rent overcharges and provide stronger financial deterrents for property owners who illegally charge tenants more than the legally allowed rent.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A654