The President’s Coop & Condo Council is greatly concerned with the momentum that Intro 2047 is receiving in the New York City Legislature. This proposed legislation would prohibit housing discrimination in rentals, leases, subleases, or occupancy agreements in New York City, on the basis of arrest or criminal record. Landlords, including Coop Boards and real estate brokers, would be prohibited from inquiring about criminal record information at any stage in the process for applicants looking to purchase or rent in the Coop. Click here for Bill.

 

This proposed legislation states in part:” It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any real estate broker, landlord, or employee or agent thereof to make a criminal history inquiry regarding an applicant or to take adverse action against an applicant for having been arrested or convicted of one or more criminal offenses”. Therefore, if passed, Coop Boards would have no way of knowing if any proposed applicants have been convicted of a serious crime that would otherwise impact their decision-making process. Similar bills were passed in Seattle, Washington, and St. Paul, Minnesota, and are subject to judicial challenge.

 

The bill currently has 27 sponsors and they are listed on the link above.  If you need more information please feel free to contact us at the email addresses below.  We strongly suggest you express your concern to your New York City Council representatives. You can find the information to contact them Click Here for Contact Information.

 

 

We will continue to keep you apprised of this critical issue as they develop.