Dear New Yorker,
I just wanted to send a quick note to update you on where we're at in our fight to renew and strengthen
While Governor Cuomo, the NY State Assembly and NY State Senate Democrats have all stated their support for strengthening and extending
As I and many other tenants and advocates have stated, in order to maintain the diversity of our city, these laws should be strengthened by repealing vacancy decontrol and extending the rent protections to buildings that are leaving the Section 8 and Mitchell-Lama programs. This is the only way that we'll truly be able to protect tenants and keep housing in our city affordable.
Although the Governor has promised to keep state legislators in
NYSHCR is reminding all New Yorkers that current written leases and the rent amount cited in those leases are in effect until their expiration date. Tenants cannot be evicted without a court order.
NYSHCR can be reached via their hotline at (855) 391-4526 or by email at rentlaws2011@nyshcr.org . Additional information about rent regulations can also be found on their website at http://www.nyshcr.org .
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In other important news, you may recall, this past month the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) proposed renewal lease guidelines for rent-stabilized apartments that would increase rents from 3 to 5.75% for a 1-year lease, 6 to 9% for a 2-year lease, and add a 1% surcharge for buildings with oil heat.
This morning, I testified at the RGB's hearing. As I told the board members, while our economy is suffering and low-income residents are bearing the worst of the effects, we should do what we can to minimize any cost increases to working families. You can read my full testimony here .
Please note that the final vote is one week from today. Details on next Monday's vote are listed below:
Monday, June 27th
Public Meeting (Final Vote on Rent Guidelines)
The Great Hall at Cooper Union
Time: 5:30 pm
I'll continue to keep you updated on our fight to renew and strengthen NY's rent laws and alert you to any actions you can take. In the meantime, if you have any tenant-related questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Carlos Carino in the Council's Community Outreach Unit at (212) 788-9121 or ccarino@council.nyc.gov .
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
NYC Council