Establishes the crime of aggravated harassment of a rent regulated tenant which occurs when an owner intentionally engages in a systematic ongoing course of conduct to induce three or more rent regulated tenants occupying different housing accommodations in two or more residential buildings to vacate such housing accommodations or if such owner commits the crime of harassment of a rent regulated tenant and was previously convicted of the same crime in the past five years.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would amend the New York Penal Law to more explicitly protect rent regulated tenants from aggressive actions by landlords. This addition to the penal code aims to deter landlords from engaging in practices that undermine tenant safety and stability. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining habitable living conditions and the tenants' right to reside without fear of harassment. This would likely lead to increased accountability for landlords who may previously have engaged in detrimental behaviors towards their tenants without significant legal repercussions.
Summary
Assembly Bill A09220, also known as the Aggravated Harassment of Rent Regulated Tenants Act, seeks to establish the crime of aggravated harassment specifically targeting rent regulated tenants. The bill proposes that an owner's intentional and systematic actions designed to induce these tenants to vacate their accommodations can result in criminal charges. Such actions may impair habitability or endanger the safety or health of tenants. Furthermore, if an owner has prior convictions of harassment against rent regulated tenants, they face harsher consequences under this law.
Contention
Discussions surrounding AB A09220 may reveal varying perspectives among stakeholders, including landlord advocacy groups and tenant rights organizations. Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential for safeguarding vulnerable tenants and ensuring fair housing practices. Opponents, however, might contend that this law could hinder landlords' ability to manage their properties effectively or pose significant hurdles during lawful eviction processes. Balancing tenant protection with property ownership rights remains a contentious issue in the ongoing dialogue about housing regulations.
Same As
Establishes the crime of aggravated harassment of a rent regulated tenant which occurs when an owner intentionally engages in a systematic ongoing course of conduct to induce three or more rent regulated tenants occupying different housing accommodations in two or more residential buildings to vacate such housing accommodations or if such owner commits the crime of harassment of a rent regulated tenant and was previously convicted of the same crime in the past five years.
Establishes the crime of aggravated harassment of a rent regulated tenant which occurs when an owner intentionally engages in a systematic ongoing course of conduct to induce three or more rent regulated tenants occupying different housing accommodations in two or more residential buildings to vacate such housing accommodations or if such owner commits the crime of harassment of a rent regulated tenant and was previously convicted of the same crime in the past five years.
Provides that when a housing accommodation has been vacated after continuous tenancy or occupancy of ten years or more prior to vacancy, and the owner can demonstrate restoration of the unit, the new legal regulated rent shall be the rent agreed to by the owner and first tenant after such restoration and reserved in a lease or other rental agreement; makes related provisions.
Provides that when a housing accommodation has been vacated after continuous tenancy or occupancy of ten years or more prior to vacancy, and the owner can demonstrate restoration of the unit, the new legal regulated rent shall be the rent agreed to by the owner and first tenant after such restoration and reserved in a lease or other rental agreement; makes related provisions.
Establishes income eligibility requirements that a tenant shall have income not to exceed one hundred twenty-five percent of the area median income to be eligible to occupy certain rent-regulated housing accommodations.
Expands the type of conduct that qualifies as harassment of tenants; provides that such conduct will result in tenants being entitled to treble damages.
Relates to the de-regulation of rent-stabilized housing accommodations; eliminates rent regulation for any regulated housing accommodation that becomes vacant on or after June 16, 2026; makes exceptions.