Res. No. 162
Title
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass and Governor to sign legislation requiring New York State Homes and Community Renewal to collect succession rights data from property owners and release a summary of the statistics to the public.
Body
By Council Member Gibson
Whereas, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the state agency responsible for administering rent regulation in New York City; and
Whereas, Rent regulation, which includes rent control and rent stabilization, protects tenants from steep rent increases, unwarranted evictions, and requires an owner to provide services and repairs; and
Whereas, According to the 2014 Housing Vacancy Survey, there are 1,030,000 rent regulated units in New York City; and
Whereas, Rent regulated units comprise most of the City's affordable housing; and
Whereas, In some cases, a family member can legally remain in a rent-regulated unit when the leaseholder permanently leaves; and
Whereas, Under New York State law, a family member can claim succession rights for a rent-regulated unit by residing in the same apartment for at least two consecutive years (or one year if the primary tenant is disabled or a senior) before the primary tenant permanently vacates or passes away; and
Whereas, State regulations defines a family member as a tenant's spouse, son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, father, mother, stepmother, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law; and
Whereas, A person who is residing with the tenant of record may qualify for succession rights as a non-traditional family member by demonstrating emotional, financial commitment and interdependence with the tenant of record, according to State regulations and
Whereas, Persons can claim succession rights by notifying the property owner, through a letter or an HCR form...
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