Expands the type of conduct that qualifies as harassment of tenants
Impact
The proposed changes would significantly impact the enforcement of tenant rights within New York City, particularly under the administrative code regulating housing. Tenants who find themselves victims of the defined harassment would have stronger legal standing, with the ability to claim treble damages—meaning three times the amount of the actual damages incurred. This is expected to deter landlords from engaging in such harassment tactics due to the increased financial risk involved.
Summary
Bill A10306, introduced in the New York Assembly, aims to enhance protections for tenants facing harassment from landlords. The bill expands the definition of harassment to include a variety of unfair actions that landlords may take against tenants. This includes withdrawing unauthorized funds from a tenant's bank account, repeatedly providing false rent statements, and initiating non-payment proceedings for rent that is not due. By doing so, A10306 seeks to provide clearer legal avenues for tenants to address and combat landlord misconduct.
Contention
Notably, while tenant advocates and some lawmakers support the measures in A10306 for providing much-needed protections, there may be concern among landlords and property owners regarding the potential for increased liability. Critics might argue that expanding the definition of harassment could lead to unintended consequences, such as frivolous legal actions against landlords and challenges in managing property. The bill's effectiveness will likely hinge on the balance it strikes between protecting tenant rights and preserving fair practices in landlord-tenant relations.
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.
Relates to certain conduct that may place a person in segregated confinement; expands the criteria that can be used for calculating good behavior allowances.
Relates to certain conduct that may place a person in segregated confinement; expands the criteria that can be used for calculating good behavior allowances.
Criminalizes the harassment of a child when the perpetrator intentionally or knowingly harasses, annoys or alarms a child or a child's parent or guardian; establishes a private right of action for harassment of a child.
Increases the excelsior research and development tax credit maximum from six to twenty percent for qualified research and development expenditures attributable to activities conducted in New York state.
Establishes offense of harassment of residential tenant; expands liability of certain members of limited liability company that own residential rental properties.
Expands the type of certifications that may be accepted by the state of New York for restricted licenses; requires individuals may only perform toxicology testing in a laboratory authorized by the state of New York.