Housing (Renters)

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1964: Relates to permitting lessees the option to pay security deposits in installments

This bill allows tenants in rental agreements for one year or longer to pay security deposits in up to six equal monthly installments, rather than as a single upfront payment. Landlords cannot charge extra fees or interest for this installment option, and rental agreements must clearly state the total deposit amount and each installment amount. The law applies to security deposits, advances, or non-refundable fees used as down payments for rental properties. Violations by landlords could result in civil fines up to 15% of the annual rent.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allows security deposit installments for tenants, easing financial burden and protecting tenant rights, directly advancing affordable housing access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3222: Diminishes certain limitations and restrictions on emergency assistance to pay rent arrears and removes the requirement that such assistance be repaid by the recipient

Diminishes certain limitations and restrictions on emergency assistance to pay rent arrears; removes the requirement that such assistance be repaid by the recipient.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves repayment requirement for emergency rent assistance, strengthening tenant protections and improving access to affordable housing by preventing eviction due to arrears.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Dec 8, 2025

A 2367: Relates to permitting other qualifying members of a household to qualify for the disability rent increase exemption

Permits other qualifying members of a household to qualify the household for the disability rent increase exemption when they are not the head of household.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands eligibility for disability rent exemption, strengthening tenant protections for housing affordability90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8078: Relates to requiring landlords to return security deposits within a reasonable time

Limits security deposits to one month's rent; requires landlords to return the full security deposit and any accrued interest to which the tenant is entitled less any amount retained by the landlord within 21 days of the end of the lease.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits security deposits to one month's rent and mandates 21-day refund of full deposit + interest, directly protecting tenant financial rights per housing topic indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1656: Approves major capital improvement rent increases and extends the length of time over which major capital improvement expenses may be recovered

This bill extends the time landlords in New York City can recover costs for major building improvements (like roof, plumbing, or heating upgrades) from 12 to 12.5 years for buildings with over 35 units, while keeping the 12-year period for smaller buildings. It limits annual rent increases tied to these improvements to 2% per year, requires landlords to notify tenants of the temporary increase amount and effective date, and mandates that work must be verified as completed before increases take effect. The changes apply to buildings with 35+ units and specifically exclude cosmetic repairs or operational costs from qualifying for these rent adjustments. Landlords must also disclose tenant harassment history and ensure no hazardous building violations exist before approval.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill caps annual rent increases at 2% for capital improvements, requires tenant notification, and mandates work verification, protecting tenants from excessive hikes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 501: Relates to the payment of shelter and rent arrears

Relates to the payment of shelter and rent arrears; provides that all shelter arrears payments authorized for applicants to receive an emergency grant to pay for rent, property taxes or mortgage arrears shall be limited to once every year unless the district determines at its discretion that additional shelter arrears payments are necessary based on the individual circumstances.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingLimits annual shelter arrears payments to once per year, restricting tenant financial assistance and weakening protection against eviction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages Renters

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4087: Requires return of a security deposit by a landlord within 30 days unless the landlord gives written notice of retention for legally authorized cause

Requires a landlord to return to a tenant the full security deposit within thirty days of the surrender of the premises by such tenant unless the landlord provides such tenant with a written statement listing the reasons for the retention of any portion of the deposit; sets forth particular situations for which the landlord may retain such security deposit; renders the landlord liable for treble damages for any violation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to return security deposits within 30 days with written justification, protecting tenants from unlawful retention and imposing treble damages for violations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 654: Increases penalties for owners of rent-regulated property who overcharge tenants

This bill increases penalties for landlords who overcharge tenants in rent-regulated housing. If a landlord is found to have willfully overcharged, they must pay five times the overcharge amount (up from three times). Landlords can avoid the higher penalty by proving the overcharge was unintentional and not due to negligence, in which case they pay only the overcharge plus interest. The bill also clarifies that voluntary rent refunds after a complaint is filed cannot be used as evidence the overcharge was not willful.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases penalties for rent overcharges in regulated housing, strengthening tenant protections against exploitation. Directly addresses tenant rights in housing context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate May 6, 2025

S 7781: Relates to remedies for a violation of the prohibition on a landlord from refusing to rent due to a tenant's involvement in a prior dispute

Provides penalties when a landlord of a residential premises refuses to rent to a potential tenant on the basis that the potential tenant was involved in a past or pending landlord-tenant action or summary proceeding.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents landlord discrimination based on prior tenant disputes, directly protecting tenant rights per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 12, 2025

S 3845: Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by such landlord as a result thereof

Prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants a fee for a dishonored rent check in excess of the actual costs or fees incurred by such landlord as a result thereof, provided such dishonored check fee was included in the initial lease.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlords from charging excessive fees for bounced rent checks, directly strengthening tenant protections by capping charges at actual costs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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