City Comptroller Scott Stringer proposes “Tenant Bill of Rights”

Landlords would have to provide the document to tenants when a lease is signed

City Comptroller Scott Stringer is proposing a Tenant Bill of Rights to protect renters from “unscrupulous landlords.”

Under the plan, landlords would be required to give the document to tenants at every lease signing. It would detail 17 existing legal protections in place.

Stringer would need support from Council Speaker and rival mayoral hopeful Corey Johnson — as well as another council member — for the plan to have any chance, the New York Daily News reports. The Council would be responsible for approving it into law.

“As rents skyrocket and tenants fight back against displacement, the city must empower renters with tools and resources to protect against unscrupulous landlords who may shirk their responsibilities to tenants,” Stringer said. “A Tenant Bill of Rights would enshrine key principles and protect tenants from abuse and neglect.”

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A similar proposal was approved by the council in 2014, requiring the Department of Housing Preservation and Development to post a guide on its website for tenants and owners.

Ana Nunez, services coordinator for Churches United for Fair Housing, said the proposal would help tenants understand the landscape following rent reforms last June.

“It’s going to bring more transparency to tenants,” she said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office has not clarified whether the mayor would support the proposal. [NYDN] — Sylvia Varnham O’Regan