Bill > A07757

This bill provides a new mechanism for landlords to adjust the legal regulated rent for housing accommodations that have been vacant for ten years or more and have undergone restoration. Under the "local regulated housing restoration adjustment," landlords can set a new rent agreed upon with the first tenant after restoration, with several important constraints. The new rent cannot exceed the Section 8 voucher payment standard for a similarly-sized unit in the same zip code, and the landlord must submit detailed documentation proving the unit's restoration, including lead-free test results, before and after photos, contractor certifications, and a form from the previous tenant confirming voluntary vacature. The bill establishes an audit process where the Division of Housing and Community Renewal will review a percentage of these rent adjustments and can reduce the rent if documentation is incomplete or the rent exceeds the voucher payment standard. The bill also includes restrictions on when this adjustment can be used, such as prohibiting it after an unlawful eviction or within certain time periods after ownership transfer or harassment determinations. Additionally, the bill creates incentives for landlords to rent to housing subsidy voucher holders, particularly in low-income areas, and provides tenants with a process to challenge the new rent if they believe it exceeds the appropriate standard.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7757