Bill > S02306

This bill removes long-standing restrictions that previously prevented cities with populations of one million or more (which effectively means New York City) from creating more comprehensive local rent control and tenant protection laws. Under the prior law, these cities were significantly limited in their ability to strengthen rent regulation beyond state-level protections. The bill eliminates language that prohibited cities from adopting more stringent local ordinances regarding residential rent control, rent adjustments, housing accommodation classifications, eviction regulations, and enforcement mechanisms. Specifically, it strikes provisions that had restricted cities' legislative authority to expand tenant protections beyond existing state laws. The bill preserves existing provisions related to defining primary residence and continues to allow housing agencies to review and potentially decontrol certain housing units. Importantly, the amendments are designed to remain in effect only for the duration of the public emergency requiring residential rent and eviction regulation, as defined by existing housing law. The bill represents a significant expansion of local governments' power to implement tenant protection measures tailored to their specific housing markets and community needs.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2306