Feature

Handling Requests for Emotional Support Animals: 3 Takeaways from a Recent Case

March 18, 2022    

A recent disability discrimination case involving an emotional support dog highlights the murky waters owners must navigate when making exceptions to pet policies as a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. Many leases contain “no-pet” clauses, barring pets...

How to Comply with FDNY's Amended Back-of-Door Notice Rule

February 18, 2022    

Among the numerous required postings and signage for apartment buildings in New York City, the fire safety notice that's posted on the backs of apartment entrance doors is one that has been shown to be very necessary due to recent tragic events. When faced with a fire in one’s building...

Tragic Bronx Fire Compels Review of Fire Safety Requirements

January 24, 2022    

We’ll run down the requirements for self-closing doors, smoke and CO detectors, fire escapes, stove knob covers—and all the related notices.

 

On Jan. 9, a fatal blaze began in a Bronx apartment unit, escaped an open door, and spread through the 19-story building...

Waterlogged: Complying with the Annual Drinking Water Storage Tank Requirements

December 21, 2021    

Annual inspection results are due Jan. 15.

 

Rooftop water tanks help deliver drinking water to millions of New York City residents. Based on an inventory of buildings that stand seven stories or taller, it’s estimated that there are 12,000 to 17,000 water towers in...

Rent Regulation Exit Strategy: Changes to Substantial Rehab Law in the Works

November 19, 2021    

A proposed bill wouldn’t block the exit—but it would require a formal approval process.

 

 

Owners’ ability to deregulate apartments and be exempt from rent stabilization requirements were severely eroded with the passage of the Housing...

What Owners Need to Know About the Landlord Rental Assistance Program

October 18, 2021    

Owners who couldn’t get relief in the original Emergency Rental Assistance Program can now apply for thousands of dollars in aid through a new state program launched on Oct. 7. The Landlord Rental Assistance Program (LRAP) gives eligible recipients payments of up to a year’s worth of...

How to Apply the Rent Guidelines When ERAP Is Accepted

September 22, 2021    

If you’re accepting ERAP funds, you must abide by certain terms.

 

Supreme Court Limits CEEFPA: Which Eviction Protections Remain?

August 25, 2021    

On Aug. 12, the country’s highest court sided with a group of New York owners who challenged the state’s COVID Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act (CEEFPA). The CEEFPA was signed into law in December 2020, effectively freezing nearly all evictions in the state. In the...

How to Implement RGBO #53 Rent Increases

July 22, 2021    

On June 23, the Rent Guidelines Board voted to freeze existing rents for six months before increasing rates by 1.5 percent for the remaining half of the year for one-year leases. The RGB also voted to raise rents on two-year leases by 2.5 percent. The new rates take effect for leases commencing...

What Owners Need to Know About the Rent Assistance Program

June 21, 2021    

Here’s how to avoid processing delays.

 

The application portal for New York’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has finally opened. As of June 1, eligible tenants and landlords can apply for rental assistance to help them get back on their feet. Many...

How to Comply with HPD's Heat Sensors Program

May 20, 2021    

Enforcement is strict, and penalties for violations are steep.

 

RGB Kicks Off Annual Rent Increase Decision Process

April 23, 2021    

The Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) recently started its annual process for examining and considering lease renewal guidelines in the coming year. This is the one decision of the RGB that has the greatest impact on owners since the board’s decision with regard to rent renewal increases affects...