BILL NUMBER: S8311A
SPONSOR: KAVANAGH
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public housing law, in relation to succession rights
for New York city housing authority properties
 
PURPOSE:
This bill seeks to ensure that family members and other individuals with
established emotional and financial ties to tenants of NYCHA properties
are granted succession rights. It mandates the New York City Housing
Authority to establish clear and fair procedures allowing such individ-
uals to succeed tenancy upon the tenant's permanent departure.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the Public Housing Law by adding a new section 402-h.
Subdivision 1 of new section 402-h requires NYCHA to include in its
policies and procedures how individuals may claim succession rights to a
unit.
Subdivision 2 of new section 402-h requires NYCHA to establish written
policies and procedures for asserting succession rights consistent with
the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regu-
lations, and guidance and consistent with NYCHA's occupancy standards.
Subdivision 3 of new section 402-h requires NYCHA to issue notice in
writing of substantive changes to its succession rights policies and
procedures at least thirty days prior to implementing those changes.
Section 2 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently, many long-term household members residing in NYCHA properties
lack clear, codified rights to remain in their homes when the tenant of
record leaves or passes away. This can result in eviction, displacement,
and unnecessary hardship, especially for vulnerable populations such as
seniors, disabled individuals, and those in familial or interdependent
relationships.
This legislation would ensure fairness, prevent homelessness, and
reflect the realities of modern family structures by formalizing
succession rights. By doing so, the bill enhances housing stability for
thousands of New Yorkers while establishing a transparent process
balancing the needs of tenants and NYCHA management.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.