Housing (Homeownership)

This bill allows the city of Albany to add unpaid fines for housing, building, and fire code violations to a property owner's annual tax bill. To qualify for this measure, the fines must be at least five percent of the property's tax value, remain unpaid for one year, and apply only to non-owner-occupied residential properties. The legislation also requires the city to notify owners of these additions and to create a support program for tenants facing potential foreclosure due to unpaid violations. Property owners can avoid foreclosure by paying the owed amount before the tax auction deadline or by entering into a payment plan with the city. If a property is sold at auction, any remaining balance after covering the fines and costs can still be pursued against the former owner.

Provides that a homeowners' association may include in its declaration, bylaws, or recorded covenants and restrictions a provision expressly prohibiting the use of a no-impact home-based business; provides that any such provision shall be approved by at least ninety percent of the total eligible voters of the homeowner's association; provides that any declaration, bylaws, or recorded covenants and restrictions prohibiting such use shall also include a provision stating that such prohibition may be eliminated by a simple majority vote.

Enacts the "middle-class homebuyer protection act" to increase the additional tax imposed on residential real property if the consideration for the conveyance from $1,000,000 to $4,500,000 where the residential structure contains five thousand square feet or more of livable interior space.