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Council Member Kevin C. Riley advocates for legislation to protect tenants displaced by fires
0:12:20
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106 sec
Council Member Kevin C. Riley addresses the devastating impact of fires on New York City families and calls for the passage of state legislation to protect tenants displaced by fires caused by negligent landlords. He emphasizes the need for landlord accountability and swift action to allow tenants to return to their homes.
- Highlights Resolution 802, which ensures landlords found at fault cannot displace tenants or must cover temporary housing costs
- Mentions specific state bills: Senate Bill 3886 and Assembly Bill 5427
- References a recent fire at 2910 Wallace Avenue in his district as an example of the issues faced by displaced residents
Kevin C. Riley
0:12:20
Alright.
0:12:21
Thank you, chair Sanchez, and thank you, chair Ariola.
0:12:23
Good morning to the administration.
0:12:25
Across New York City, we've seen how devastating fires can be, families losing their homes in an instant and forced into uncertainty with negligent landlords failing to take proper responsibility for supporting displaced tenants.
0:12:39
Together with council member Juan and chair Sanchez, we're calling on the New York state legislature to pass and the governor to sign state senate bill thirty eight eighty six which is sponsored by our colleagues in the senate, senator Michael Genaris, and assembly bill five four two seven, sponsored by our colleagues in the assembly assembly member Claire Valdez.
0:13:02
This legislation ensures families are protected when landlords fail in their duties.
0:13:08
When unsafe conditions cause a fire, it's the tenants who suffer while landlords evade responsibilities or neglect timely repairs.
0:13:16
Resolution eight zero two ensures that when landlords are found at fault, they not displace tenants or the city covers the cost of temporary housing.
0:13:25
This is not about punishing responsible landlords, it's about ensuring accountability when negligent landlords cause harm.
0:13:32
Displacement should not result in permanent instability, yet too many tenants are trapped in a cycle of waiting months or even years for repairs with no clear timeline.
0:13:42
This is a reality faced by residents in my district such as those affected by the residents that our chair just mentioned, the fire that took place at 2910 Wallace Avenue and by many across our city.
0:13:55
This legislation incentivized landlords to act swiftly so tenants can return to their homes as soon as possible.
0:14:02
I appreciate my colleagues who supported this bill and looking forward to hearing from the administration.
0:14:06
Thank you.