New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04954

Introduced
2/10/25  

Caption

Relates to the conversion to condominium ownership for the preservation of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York; provides expanded homeownership opportunities from the conversion of certain residential rental buildings to condominium status by property owners that commit to preserve the inventory of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York.

Summary

Bill A04954 aims to amend the general business law and real property law in New York to facilitate the conversion of certain residential rental buildings into condominiums. This conversion is contingent upon property owners committing to maintain permanently affordable units and to preserve the inventory of expiring affordable housing in New York City. The bill outlines the requirements for a 'preservation plan,' which must be submitted to the attorney general, detailing how the property will be managed and how affordable units will be maintained. Additionally, it establishes rights for tenants, including exclusive purchase rights for current tenants and protections against eviction for non-purchasing tenants.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of affordable housing in New York City by allowing for the conversion of rental units into condominiums under specific conditions aimed at preserving affordable housing. It would create a structured process for property owners to follow, which includes the establishment of reserve and capital funds to ensure the maintenance of the properties. This could lead to an increase in homeownership opportunities while simultaneously addressing the need for affordable housing in a city facing a housing crisis.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04954 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with support from various stakeholders who recognize the need for affordable housing solutions. However, there are concerns regarding the implementation of the preservation plans and the potential impact on current tenants, which may lead to debates and discussions as the bill progresses.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between facilitating homeownership through condominium conversions and ensuring that existing tenants, particularly those in affordable units, are not adversely affected. Some advocates worry that the conversion process could lead to increased rents or displacement of low-income tenants, while proponents argue that the bill provides necessary protections and promotes the preservation of affordable housing.

Companion Bills

NY S01354

Same As Relates to the conversion to condominium ownership for the preservation of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York; provides expanded homeownership opportunities from the conversion of certain residential rental buildings to condominium status by property owners that commit to preserve the inventory of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York.

Previously Filed As

NY S03566

Relates to the conversion to condominium ownership for the preservation of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York; provides expanded homeownership opportunities from the conversion of certain residential rental buildings to condominium status by property owners that commit to preserve the inventory of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York.

NY S01354

Relates to the conversion to condominium ownership for the preservation of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York; provides expanded homeownership opportunities from the conversion of certain residential rental buildings to condominium status by property owners that commit to preserve the inventory of expiring affordable housing in the city of New York.

NY A10876

Includes certain cooperative or limited-profit housing companies for purposes of conversions to cooperative or condominium ownership in the city of New York.

NY HB537

INCREASE Housing Affordability Act Incentivizing New Conversions to Residential Entities to Accelerate Supply and Expand Housing Affordability Act

NY A1206

Reduces term of affordability required for affordable housing created through middle housing construction or conversion.

NY A02968

Provides that the assessment of residential cooperatives, condominiums and rental property shall not apply to certain condominiums unless such condominiums are participating in an affordable housing tax credit program or has a regulatory agreement.

NY A11484

Relates to affordable housing in New York city

NY H1530

Relative to affordable housing and the preservation of a community's water resources

NY A01872

Categorizes the assault of certain employees of the New York city department of buildings or the New York city department of housing preservation and development as a class D felony.

NY S05110

Categorizes the assault of certain employees of the New York city department of buildings or the New York city department of housing preservation and development as a class D felony.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.