Modified tenants’ rights bill doesn’t soothe landlords

Landlords are still up in arms about a proposed tenants’ protection City Council bill, despite changes allowing landlords to challenge “frivolous” lawsuits filed by tenants. The bill would give tenants the right to directly sue landlords in housing court for intimidation meant to force out so their apartments can be rented for more money. That would result in a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 for each housing unit. The change, backed by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, allows landlords to challenge suits if the conditions were “not intended to cause any lawful occupant to vacate a dwelling.”