S1870A

The Senate passed S1870A, sponsored by Sen. Cleare, amending the Public Housing Law to allow prospective tenants of rent-stabilized and rent-controlled apartments to obtain 50-year rental histories dating back to 1974. The bill passed 43-17, with 17 Republicans voting in opposition. Sen. Martins questioned implementation details, seeking clarification that the bill would not impose additional obligations on property owners to produce records, and confirmed that tenants would request histories from HCR rather than directly from landlords. Martins expressed support for the transparency measure but pivoted to broader housing policy, advocating for means-testing rent-stabilized units, noting that over 30 percent of 1.1 million such units are occupied by people earning above area median income. Sen. Cleare emphasized that rent-stabilized tenants earn a median of $47,000 annually and pay 36 percent of income in rent, and that transparency is essential given historical fraud and collusion in rent pricing.

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring landlords to disclose rent history to prospective tenants of rent-regulated and stabilized apartments. Senate Print 1870A, sponsored by Sen. Cleare, passed on a 40-21 vote. The bill aims to increase transparency in the rental market and prevent fraud and coercion in rent pricing. Sen. Cleare argued that tenants currently lack critical information about apartment rent history before signing leases, and that disclosure requirements would hold landlords accountable and protect housing as a human right. The measure takes effect immediately. The bill drew opposition from 21 senators, primarily Republicans, though the Democratic-controlled chamber secured passage with support from 40 members.