Bill > A05866

This bill amends the Social Services Law to expand the circumstances under which public welfare officials can withhold rent payments to landlords. Specifically, the bill now allows welfare departments to withhold rent payments from landlords who owe delinquent tax liabilities to local municipalities, school districts, or counties, in addition to the existing provisions about withholding rent for properties with dangerous or hazardous living conditions. The bill provides several key protections for welfare recipients, including making it a valid legal defense against eviction if their landlord owes delinquent taxes, and preventing landlords from obtaining eviction orders or money judgments during periods of outstanding tax liabilities. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new provision that allows the withheld rent payments to be applied directly to the landlord's delinquent tax liabilities if such liabilities remain unpaid for a year or more. The changes aim to incentivize landlords to maintain their tax obligations and ensure that welfare recipients are not penalized for living in properties where landlords have failed to meet their municipal financial responsibilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5866