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Bill

A 659

Prohibits landlords from including incorrect information re rent decontrol in certain leases and renewals pertaining to units in the Affordable New York Housing Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 6 co-sponsors

Protect tenants by requiring accurate disclosure of rent decontrol status in leases and renewal documents for Affordable New York Housing Program units.

REFERRED TO HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 659

Summary: Assembly Bill A 659 (Substituted by S450)

Note: A659 has been substituted by S450. The substantive provisions moving forward are in the companion Senate bill S450.

Overview and Purpose

  • The bill aims to protect tenants in units participating in the Affordable New York Housing Program by preventing landlords from including incorrect information about rent decontrol in leases and renewal documents.
  • The core intent is to ensure accuracy regarding decontrol status and related rent information for affordable-housing units, reducing misrepresentation that could affect tenancy terms or rent calculations.

Key Provisions (as originally introduced)

  • Prohibition on landlords providing or including incorrect information about rent decontrol in:
    • Leases for units in the Affordable New York Housing Program
    • Renewal lease documents for those units
  • The focus is on ensuring that decontrol status and associated rent-related information is accurate at the point of lease signing or renewal.

Note: The exact text, scope, and any penalties or enforcement mechanisms are part of the substituted version (S450). A659’s original language indicates a misrepresentation prohibition in the specified leases/renewals.

Affected Parties

  • Landlords and property managers of units within the Affordable New York Housing Program
  • Tenants residing in these program units
  • Potentially, housing administrators and regulatory bodies overseeing the program

Legislative Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Initial referral: Housing Committee (January 8, 2025)
  • Subsequent referrals: Codes (May 13, 2025); Ways and Means (May 28, 2025); Rules (June 6, 2025)
  • Actions on June 10, 2025:
    • Reported (to Rules)
    • Ordered to Third Reading (Rules CAL.548)
    • Substituted by S450 (i.e., A659 is superseded in this form by the Senate companion)
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary: Linda Rosenthal
    • Coparkers: Dana Levenberg, Chris Burdick, Tony Simone, Al Taylor

Related Bills and Context

  • Companion/Senate version: S 450
  • Related Assembly bills in prior sessions: A 7990, A 641, A 245
  • The policy goal aligns with consistent, accurate disclosures about rent status in affordable-housing arrangements.

Practical Implications and Potential Impacts

  • Tenant Protections: Strengthens protections against misrepresentation of rent decontrol, supporting tenants in understanding their rights and obligations.
  • Administrative Burden: Could require landlords to verify and certify decontrol status in leases/renewals, potentially increasing compliance requirements.
  • Enforcement: The substituted S450 will outline specific penalties, remedies, and enforcement mechanisms (not detailed in A659’s text alone).

Bottom Line

A659 sought to curb incorrect rent decontrol information in leases/renewals for Affordable NY Housing Program units. With substitution by S450, readers should consult S450 for the current, actionable text and any enacted provisions, penalties, and enforcement details.

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

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