We are writing to invite you to a press conference this Thursday, March 13, 2008, at noon on the steps of City Hall to celebrate the signing of the Council's historic anti-harassment bill, which will protect tenants and their families from being harassed by their landlords.
This groundbreaking piece of legislation makes harassment, in and of itself, a violation of the law. Tenants who believe their landlord is attempting to get them out of the building will be able to fight not just for basic services, but to put an end to the abuseonce and for all. Examples of harassment include: turning off essential services such as heat and hot water, removing a tenant's belongings, locking a tenant out of his or her apartment, or bringing baseless or frivolous court proceedings against tenants who have a legal right to live in their apartments.
An owner who is found guilty of harassment can face a penalty of $1,000 to $5,000 for each apartment where it is found that harassment has occurred.
We are very proud of this bill and the work we have done with tenant advocates, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the real estate industry to make it strong and fair for both tenants and responsible landlords. When this bill becomes law, it will be another critical tool in our efforts to fight gentrification and protect affordable housing in New York City.