AGENCY TESTIMONY
Tenant protections in the proposed legislation
0:18:59
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48 sec
Kim Darga outlines the tenant protections included in the proposed legislation for basement and cellar apartment legalization. These protections aim to safeguard the rights of current occupants during the legalization process.
- Tenants in occupancy at the time of enactment have a legally enforceable right of first refusal
- This right applies if tenants are evicted or removed due to alterations needed to bring the unit up to code
- Protections ensure that current tenants are not displaced without the opportunity to return to their homes
Kim Darga
0:18:59
Importantly, this legislation also sets out protections for the tenants of currently inhabited apartments.
0:19:07
This includes state law rules that tenants in occupancy as of the time of enactment and who are subsequently evicted or otherwise removed from an apartment as a result of an alteration needed to bring the unit up to code have a legally enforceable right of first refusal to return to these units.
0:19:30
Together, these pieces of legislation will bring sorely needed relief to New York homeowners and tenants, making it easier for New Yorkers to age in place, to afford a starter home, to live close to loved ones, and to experience the peace of mind that comes from housing stability.
