New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04191

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
1/31/25  

Caption

Establishes the bureau of the senior tenants' advocate within the state office for the aging; provides that the senior tenants' advocate shall assist senior citizen tenants in resolving complaints they may have with the New York state division of housing and community renewal, landlord disputes, rent increases, and other housing related matters; provides that the governor shall appoint the senior tenants' advocate.

Summary

Bill A04191 establishes a Bureau of the Senior Tenants' Advocate within the New York State Office for the Aging. This bureau is tasked with assisting senior tenants in addressing complaints related to housing issues, including disputes with landlords and rent increases. The bill mandates the appointment of a Senior Tenants' Advocate by the governor, who will oversee the bureau and ensure that senior tenants receive the necessary support in resolving their housing-related complaints. The advocate will also monitor housing laws and provide information about available resources to senior tenants.

Impact

The establishment of the Bureau of the Senior Tenants' Advocate will create a new entity within state government focused specifically on the needs of senior tenants. This will enhance the legal and support framework for seniors facing housing issues, potentially leading to improved outcomes in tenant-landlord disputes and greater awareness of tenant rights. The bill amends the elder law to include provisions for this bureau, thereby impacting existing housing regulations and enhancing protections for senior citizens.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04191 appears to be generally positive, with support for the establishment of a dedicated advocate for senior tenants. Discussions highlight the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by elderly renters, and there is a recognition of the need for better representation and assistance in housing matters. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and funding of the bureau.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the funding and resources allocated to the Bureau of the Senior Tenants' Advocate, as well as the qualifications and authority of the appointed advocate. Some stakeholders may question whether the advocate will have sufficient power to effect change or address complaints effectively. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the scope of the advocate's responsibilities and the potential for bureaucratic overlap with existing housing agencies.

Companion Bills

NY S03686

Same As Establishes the bureau of the senior tenants' advocate within the state office for the aging; provides that the senior tenants' advocate shall assist senior citizen tenants in resolving complaints they may have with the New York state division of housing and community renewal, landlord disputes, rent increases, and other housing related matters; provides that the governor shall appoint the senior tenants' advocate.

Previously Filed As

NY S02453

Establishes the bureau of the senior tenants' advocate within the state office for the aging; provides that the senior tenants' advocate shall assist senior citizen tenants in resolving complaints they may have with the New York state division of housing and community renewal, landlord disputes, rent increases, and other housing related matters; provides that the governor shall appoint the senior tenants' advocate.

NY S03686

Establishes the bureau of the senior tenants' advocate within the state office for the aging; provides that the senior tenants' advocate shall assist senior citizen tenants in resolving complaints they may have with the New York state division of housing and community renewal, landlord disputes, rent increases, and other housing related matters; provides that the governor shall appoint the senior tenants' advocate.

NY S433

Establishes limit on rent increase for senior citizen tenants of certain properties financed with assistance from HMFA.

NY S258

Prohibits late penalties from being made against senior citizen tenants in certain senior citizen rental housing in certain circumstances.

NY S3641

Requires landlord to provide written explanation for rent increase on tenant of senior citizen housing project.

NY HB707

Landlord and tenant; limitations on rent increases for seniors and veterans; provide

NY A350

Extends protected tenancy period for certain tenants who are senior citizens and certain tenants with disabilities.

NY S413

Extends protected tenancy period for certain tenants who are senior citizens and certain tenants with disabilities.

NY SB391

Prohibiting cities and counties from adopting or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that requires landlords to lease housing to tenants receiving financial assistance from or through the housing choice voucher program or any other housing assistance program or that otherwise restricts a landlord's ability to consider the income source of a prospective tenant.

NY S09214

Establishes an affordable independent senior housing assistance program which shall provide grants within amounts appropriated or otherwise available therefor to affordable independent senior housing properties to establish and operate resident assistance programs.

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