View the NYSAR Governmental Affairs Archive

NYSAR publishes weekly reports on progress with New York State's Governmental Affairs advocacy.  See important progress and information you need to know that affects your real estate business.

March 14, 2023 -- Let Your Voice Be Heard!

From the Desk of Matt Drouin, 2023 RAC NYSCAR Govermental Affairs & Advocacy Chair:

I wanted to make RAC NYSCAR members aware of the real estate industry’s push against good cause eviction.

The current bill, if passed, would create de facto rent control across the State as well as create “tenant for life” where a property owner would not be able to get their property back at lease expiration unless they had “good cause” to terminate a tenant relationship. This would require a property owner to bring a tenant to court and let a judge decide if a tenant can stay rather than being a mutual decision as to whether or not to renew a lease. It’s hard enough to evict when a property owner has a cut and dry reason such as nonpayment of rent.  This bill would also cap yearly rent increases to no more than 3%.  Anything more than 3% would be considered “unreasonable,” creating Statewide de facto rent control.

When the Governor was in Rochester, she was asked by tenant activists about whether or not she supports good cause (aka GCE) legislation and she said, “It’s on the table.”  Here is the latest press engagement where I got a chance to articulate the disastrous consequences of GCE.  One of Governor Hochul’s aids quickly walked back that statement, but it is clear that GCE as well as other policies that are hurtful to housing have a high probability of being passed if our industry doesn’t take action.

We need your voice heard!  Click here for an easy way to do so from the comfort of your own home or office. If you would like to see how else you might be able to help our effort, please reach out to me..  Thank you for your time and consideration!

March 3, 2023

From the Desk of Matt Drouin, 2023 RAC NYSCAR Govermental Affairs & Advocacy Chair:

There is a five-pronged bill in local New York and some advocacy groups are pushing through Albany trying to resuscitate good cause eviction/de-facto rent control. I've been on the defense/offense through NYSAR and went on “Connections with Evan Dawson” on WXXI News on February 6, 2023 to talk about ideas in terms of advancing housing options for low income families. Listen here.

January 13, 2023

From the Desk of Christopher McCarthy, 2023 RAC NYSCAR President:

There is a new attack on the Federal level to prohibit gas in businesses and homes. Stay tuned!

View 2022 Governmental Affairs Archive