September 9, 2015
By Tara Jessup
New York, NY—New York City legislation recently passed is designed to protect tenants from harassment by landlords, These regulations now prevent aggressive ‘buy-out’ practices used to force tenants out of rent-regulated apartments. In fast-gentrifying neighborhoods, owners have used unscrupulous tactics to pressure tenants out of affordable apartments so they can reap rent increases from the turnover.
“We won’t let tenants be intimidated and forced out of their homes. These new laws protect tenants from harassment and aggressive buyout schemes, and simultaneously help the City keep neighborhoods affordable. We have a strong partnership with the City Council standing up for tenants, and we thank the sponsors of these laws for helping combat these unscrupulous practices,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“These new laws will protect tenants and keep the process of buyout offers by landlords fair and honest,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “New Yorkers living in rent-regulated housing have the right to stay in their homes if they wish, and should never feel pressured, intimidated or coerced into accepting offers they don’t want to take.”
