Blue State Blues: New Legislation Would Speed Repairs for Fire Victims by Making NYC Landlords Pay Their Rents
31st January 2025
New York lawmakers are considering a new measure to speed up repairs at fire-damaged apartment buildings by forcing some landlords to pay the rent for displaced tenants.
The legislation introduced by state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris on Wednesday would apply to property owners found at fault for a fire or other disaster that made their tenants homeless. It would also guarantee tenants can return to their apartments once the city deem them safe, unless they chose to move elsewhere.
Gianaris cited a Tuesday report from Gothamist detailing the yearslong waits many tenants face before they are finally able to return to their apartments following fires. If a landlord refuses to pay for tenants’ temporary housing, the legislation requires the city to cover the costs and then recover the money from the owner.
Gianaris said he hoped the measure would give landlords a “kick in the rear” to expedite renovations.
I predict that they will find ways around it, and it will not do what it is intended to do.
I also predict that, like most government do-goodism, it will wind up hurting the people it is designed to help.