Bill > S03686

This bill establishes a new Bureau of the Senior Tenants' Advocate within the New York State Office for the Aging to support senior citizen tenants in resolving housing-related issues. The governor will appoint a Senior Tenants' Advocate who will be an employee of the office with expertise in landlord and tenant law. The advocate's key responsibilities include identifying and helping to resolve complaints related to housing and residency rights for seniors, providing information about assistance programs, analyzing housing policies affecting senior tenants, and maintaining records of complaints. The advocate will be required to forward complaints to the most appropriate agency and will have the authority to appoint representatives to assist in their work. The bill also prohibits any retaliation against tenants who file complaints and requires the advocate to submit an annual public report to state leadership detailing the bureau's activities, analyzing complaint data, evaluating senior tenant problems, and recommending legislative and policy improvements to protect senior tenants' rights. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with provisions for preliminary regulatory preparations to be made immediately.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3686