NYC Council Fighting Bad Landlords

New York City Council members want to put the brakes on landlords who seek to make an extra buck by creating illegal units within their dwellings. The goal is to end the practice of altering existing homes or apartments to create additional housing, without first obtaining legal permission. These illegal conversions include practices like renting out basement, attic or garage apartments, or dividing up units into "single-room occupancies."


City officials said conversions like these are harmful not only for residents, but also for first responders in the case of an emergency. That is why representatives are pushing for legislation to require New York City's buildings department to submit a yearly report on all cases of illegal conversions. The laws would also increase fines for guilty landlords.

Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez said landlords who rent out converted units are basically running illegal hotels. "I think it is important that we put everything in place so that if anyone is doing any illegal conversions, they should be reported," Rodriguez said.

City officials say illegal conversions can also lead to overcrowding.

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