As of February 2010, the City Council passed legislation (sponsered by CM Garodnick and CM Koppel) that requires management companies, broker's offices or Landlords who are renting an apartment in a building with more than 5 units are required to notify prospective tenants of whether or not they use tenant screening reports. The law mandates that these companies or groups post visibly in their officesthe name of the tenant screening bureau used and the address of that company. If the management company/ landlord or brokers use written applications, they must include in writing 1) whether or not they use a tenant screening report, 2) if so, what company they use, and 3) how to contact that office so that a tenant can request a free annual copy of their report. With this information, a tenant can obtain a copy of their report and attempt to clear up any erroneous information on their record before applying for future housing. This law should go into effect around June 2010. You can find a copy of the Tenant Fair Chance Act here.
News! A New York State Court's decision could affect your rights as a tenant.
Thursday, 22 October 2009 00:00
News! A New York State Court's decision could affect your rights as a tenant. If you live in an apartment which was de-regulated because the rent went above $2,000, and became vacant or your income was above a certain amount you may have rights as a rent regulated tenant, or you may have the right to collect an overcharge. The building must currently receive a J51 tax benefit for the court's decision to apply. The decision, Roberts v Tishman Speyer LP, was based on a suit filed by tenants in Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village. To see if your building receives a J51 tax abatement, click here: NYC Dept of Finance. The Court of Appeals has affirmed the lower court decision.
New Law Requires Explanation of Stips
Friday, 31 July 2009 13:01
Governor Paterson has signed into law a bill sponsored by State Senate Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Richard Gottfried that requires Housing Court judges to explain stipulations. Most Housing Court cases are settled by stipulation - voluntary agreements between the tenant and the landlord that are enforceable by the court. In many cases, tenants and landlords don't understand the language in the stipulations, or what will happen if they fail to follow the agreement. The new law requires judges to explain the terms of the stipulations and the consequences in all cases where either the tenant or the landlord are unrepresented by a lawyer.
