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Bill

S 3215

Prevents the harassment of a rent regulated tenant

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Kavanagh

S 3215 - Prevents the Harassment of a Rent Regulated Tenant OverviewBill Number: S 3215 Title: Prevents the harassment of a rent regulated tenant Status: REFERRED TO CODES Intro

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Bill Summary · S 3215

S 3215 - Prevents the Harassment of a Rent Regulated Tenant

Overview

Bill Number: S 3215
Title: Prevents the harassment of a rent regulated tenant
Status: REFERRED TO CODES
Introduced: November 19, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to strengthen protections for rent-regulated tenants against harassment by landlords. The legislation aims to address the growing problem of landlords using intimidation tactics and creating unsafe living conditions to force out long-term tenants in rent-regulated units, often in order to raise rents to market rates.

Key Provisions

  • Defines "harassment of a rent regulated tenant" as any act or omission by a landlord intended to cause a tenant to vacate their unit or surrender any rights under their lease
  • Prohibits landlords from engaging in a variety of harassing behaviors, including:
    • Failing to provide essential services (heat, hot water, electricity, etc.)
    • Entering a tenant's unit without proper notice
    • Threatening or using force against a tenant
    • Commencing frivolous court proceedings against a tenant
  • Allows tenants to file harassment complaints with the state housing agency and seek civil penalties and damages from landlords
  • Requires landlords to post notices informing tenants of their rights and how to report harassment

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact rent-regulated tenants, providing them with stronger legal protections against landlord harassment and coercion. It would also affect landlords of rent-regulated properties, who would face penalties and liability for engaging in prohibited harassment tactics.

The legislation aims to help preserve affordable, rent-regulated housing by deterring landlords from unlawfully displacing long-term tenants. This could have broader societal benefits by maintaining housing stability and preventing homelessness.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has been referred to the New York State Senate Codes Committee for consideration. If approved by the committee, it would then proceed to a full Senate vote. Companion legislation would also need to be introduced and passed in the State Assembly.

Given the importance of the issue and growing public awareness, the bill has a reasonable chance of advancing through the legislative process, though the timeline for potential enactment remains uncertain.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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