Bill > A05245

This bill, known as the "Fair Chance: Reforming the Use of Credit Checks in Tenant Screening Act," prohibits landlords, rental brokers, real estate agents, and apartment rental clearinghouses from requesting or using consumer reports (which include credit checks, background information, and other personal details) when evaluating a potential tenant's rental application. The bill defines a consumer report as any communication about a person's credit worthiness, character, or personal characteristics that could be used to determine eligibility for various purposes. If someone violates this law, they can be subject to significant financial penalties: individual violators would face $5,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for subsequent offenses, while corporate entities would face $50,000 for a first offense and $150,000 for subsequent offenses. The purpose of the bill appears to be preventing discrimination in housing and giving potential renters a fair chance at securing housing without being immediately disqualified by past credit issues. The law will go into effect 90 days after it is officially enacted.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5245