Bill > A09294

This bill requires landlords to provide prospective tenants with a comprehensive written disclosure of their tenant screening criteria before accepting any application fee, deposit, or screening information. The disclosure must include a detailed list of screening factors such as credit history, minimum credit score thresholds, criminal history policies, prior rental history, minimum income requirements, and reference requirements. Additionally, landlords must specify whether they will obtain a tenant screening report from a consumer reporting agency and provide the agency's contact information, along with a summary of the applicant's rights under federal and New York state law regarding consumer reports. The bill mandates that this disclosure be clearly labeled and presented prominently, with tenants required to sign an acknowledgment of receiving the information. If a landlord rejects an applicant without providing this disclosure, they must refund the full application fee and deposit upon the applicant's written request within 14 days. The purpose of this legislation is to increase transparency in the rental application process and protect prospective tenants by ensuring they understand the criteria that will be used to evaluate their applications before incurring any costs.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9294