BILL NUMBER: S5122
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the judiciary law, in relation to establishing a new
housing court part for certain homes
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
This bill is intended to create a housing court part in order to reduce
case volume burden in the court system and provide protection for small
property landlords
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a news section 135-a to the judiciary law in order to
establish a housing court part; maintains requirements for actions and
proceedings in the court part; maintain enforcements of provisions;
provides court part jurisdiction over actions and proceedings until
resolved; establishes measures for appointment of judges; provides for
escrow rent payments and a court ordered escrow account during
proceedings; provides free legal services for small property owners
facing foreclosure due to nonpayment of rent
Section 2 establishes the effective date 180 days after the bill's
passage.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York is currently in a housing crisis. From high rents to high costs
of living and housing shortages, housing disputes are high in number
with few to little resolutions in sight. The current New York City court
system is faced with a high case load and few resources. In addition,
attorneys focused on housing cases are often overworked and underpaid.
This bill would establish a statewide housing court to provide needed
resources to seek remedy for the high number of housing disputes across
New York. In addition, housing issues as they arise would receive much
needed, focused attention and garner more resources to find resolve and
relief to any parties that enter into a housing dispute. Cases in NYC
could be referred to the state court and issues outside the five
boroughs would have more expertise and resources to address the needs
across upstate and long island.
In addition, small property owners represent a economic block in the
middle class that have been particularly burdened by the crisis. This
bill will provide them protections to ensure they can quickly remedy any
tenant-landlord disputes absent a speedy trial.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S8222 Comrie/ A8598 Vanel
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill is effective 180 days after it shall have become law.