On May 30, the New York City Council and Mayor Bill De Blasio took an important step to hold landlords of affordable housing units accountable by passing Intro 823-A, a law that will require the Department of Buildings to submit an annual report to the Council on illegal conversions of dwelling units for purposes other than permanent residence. The bill, introduced and sponsored by Progressive Caucus Member Ydanis Rodriguez, will bring attention to existing affordable housing units that are illegally converted into short-term hotels. The landlords are of these buildings will now be held accountable by yearly reporting.
This bill was supported by the Progressive Caucus as a part of their ADVANCEMENT Agenda, aiming to make New York City safer and more affordable for residents, and protecting the rights of tenants.