All articles tagged with #tenant protections
Los Angeles City Council has approved reforms to its rent control laws for the first time in 40 years, capping annual rent increases at 4% and eliminating a utility surcharge, aiming to make housing more affordable amid a housing crisis, though critics argue it could hinder new development.
New York state leaders have reached a housing deal to address the housing crisis, with a legislative plan that includes incentives for developers and protections for tenants. The agreement, negotiated by the governor and legislative leaders, aims to make it easier to build affordable homes while providing safeguards for renters. The package, set to be presented to the full Senate and Assembly, is a response to the worsening affordability problem in New York City and the state, but may face criticism from some lawmakers for not having sweeping enough tenant protections.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers are close to reaching a housing deal in New York, but the proposed package is facing criticism from both tenant and landlord groups. The deal includes reviving a tax break for NYC housing developers, enacting "Good Cause" eviction measures, and easing building size restrictions. Tenant groups are unhappy with carve-outs in the eviction provisions, while landlord groups are critical of the proposed changes to rent regulations. The final plan could be put to a vote as soon as Monday.
Details of a potential housing deal in Albany include weakened "good cause" eviction protections, increased caps for rent-stabilized apartment improvements, and a new version of the 421-a tax break. The proposed compromise has sparked backlash from both tenant advocates and landlord groups, with concerns about exemptions and carve-outs in the "good cause" eviction legislation, as well as changes to individual apartment improvement caps. Additionally, new details on 485-x, a potential replacement for the 421-a tax incentive program, have emerged, including wage standards for workers on affordable housing projects.
New York's tenant protections have led to some property owners being hesitant to rent out their homes due to horror stories of difficult and non-paying tenants who are difficult to evict. These stories include instances of tenants causing property damage, not paying rent, and manipulating the legal system to live rent-free for years. While the majority of tenants are responsible, these anecdotes have led to a lack of confidence among some property owners. Finding a middle ground that reasonably protects tenants while giving owners the confidence to rent their unused homes is crucial in addressing the affordable housing crisis in New York.
Housing advocates in Michigan gathered at the state Capitol to demand lower rent and increased protections for tenants. The coalition called for lifting the ban on rent control, establishing a renters' bill of rights, building publicly owned rent-stabilized housing, and prioritizing housing for people experiencing homelessness. Advocates shared stories of struggling with rising rent costs and eviction, highlighting the need for affordable housing in the state. Michigan currently faces a shortage of affordable housing for low-income renters, exacerbating the housing crisis. The advocates called for significant funding for social housing and housing for the homeless.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul's relationship with lawmakers has been strained after she rejected an end-of-session offer designed to help New York tenants and developers amid a housing crunch. Critics said the end-of-session turmoil punctuated multiple missteps that eroded the Democratic governor’s political capital after gaining extraordinary goodwill when she succeeded scandal-scarred Andrew Cuomo in August 2021. A Siena College poll last month showed more New Yorkers viewed Hochul unfavorably than favorably for the first time in her tenure.
New York Democrats failed to pass any housing policies, including measures to protect tenants from eviction and cap rent increases, incentives to remodel empty offices into apartments, and an extension of a tax break for developers to build affordable housing. Lawmakers blamed Governor Kathy Hochul for opposing their housing measures, while the governor said lawmakers never presented her with any housing bills to approve. The lack of a resolution underscored the lingering fissures between Ms. Hochul and more left-leaning Democrats in the Legislature who have clashed over various issues.
Outside investors are buying multifamily properties in Albuquerque, leading to rent hikes, maintenance issues, and unexpected lease non-renewals for tenants. The city's aging housing stock is attracting investors who promise renovations and updates post-purchase. However, tenants are reporting rent increases of up to 80% and problems with maintenance after ownership changes hands. Albuquerque's economic growth and the cost of renovating outdated buildings have led to citywide rent spikes, giving a "heart attack" to residents as prices increase all at once. Despite calls for tenant protections, the Albuquerque City Council has rejected proposals, citing concerns about burdening landlords and discouraging developers from building new apartments.