Whats really happeing with housing in New York?
New York’s housing system doesn’t meet people where they live. Aging buildings sit offline because repairs don’t pencil out. Courts are overloaded, leaving both tenants and housing providers in limbo. Costs keep families from buying their first home, and rules that slow down infill projects choke supply. We can fix what’s broken—faster than you think
Here’s how we begin to solve these challenges.
Open Affordable Paths to Ownership (A5841; A787/S3150; A5098/S6574)
Co‑op/Condo Conversions (A5841): Restore a viable pathway for long‑time tenants and moderate‑income buyers by lowering conversion thresholds to 25% while respecting tenant rights.
First‑Time Homebuyer Grants (HOME Act, A787/S3150): Provide $10,000 in down‑payment assistance for qualified buyers.
First‑Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts (A5098/S6574): Create tax‑deductible accounts modeled on 529s to help New Yorkers save at scale.
Streamline Environmental Review to Build More Homes (Support the Governor Hochul’s proposals and A6283/S3492)
Right‑size SEQR for specific residential projects that meet high environmental standards, protect critical resources, and reduce procedural delays—so infill homes get approved on a predictable timeline.
Fix Rent‑Law Repair Rules to Bring Units Back Online (IAI/MCI + LRHRA)
Update IAI/MCI so essential renovations are financially feasible; adopt a path to restore long‑vacant stabilized units and align rules with real costs. Reforms could unlock up to 30,000 apartments in New York City!
Make Housing Courts Work: Judges, Counsel, & Diversion (A1100/S3849; A4669/S6772)
More Judges (A1100/S3849): Remove an outdated constitutional cap so OCA can assign judges where caseloads demand them.
Right to Counsel (A4669/S6772): Provide access to legal services statewide—most viable as part of the budget process.
Support TRIE: Targeted Rent Freeze accompanied by an Owner Tax Credit (S1805/A1877)
Freeze rents for tenants with ≤ $50,000 income paying ≥ 50% toward rent; provide a dollar‑for‑dollar property‑tax credit to owners for the foregone increase. Modeled on SCRIE/DRIE with state cost‑sharing.