Governor Hochul Signs Legislative Package to Support Public Housing Residents and Improve Conditions in NYCHA

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a package of legislation to support residents of public housing and improve conditions in the New York City Housing Authority. Legislation S.7859-A/A.8612-A requires NYCHA to create and maintain a searchable database of ticket numbers showing complaints filed by residents. Legislation S.72-A/A.9387-A requires that data of outstanding code violations in public housing developments be maintained in the same manner as it is for privately owned housing.

"For too long, public housing residents in New York City have been forced to deal with unacceptable living conditions — but we're working to make change," Governor Hochul said. "Increasing transparency and accountability in NYCHA will help improve operations and provide residents with the tools they need to track progress on repairs and improvements."

"Maintaining current data systems and using technology to help track complaints will help the New York City Housing Authority improve living conditions," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "This new package of laws signed by the Governor to help improve public housing conditions will ensure housing insecure New Yorkers continue to have a livable place to call home."

Legislation S.7859-A/A.8612-A requires NYCHA to have a searchable database of ticket numbers, which will expand transparency and accountability in the authority's operations. Ticket numbers and complaints will be viewable by the public, but will exclude personal information about the residents who file any grievances.

State Senator Jessica Ramos said, "Far too often, my neighbors at Woodside Houses have felt like their maintenance requests disappear into the void. I was proud to partner with Assemblymember Barnwell to create this public, searchable database for maintenance repairs. It's an idea so simple and so necessary, I'm thrilled we were able to get it done last session. By signing it into law today, Governor Hochul is helping create a system of accountability for New Yorkers who live in NYCHA."

Assemblymember Brian Barnwell said, "For far too long, the residents of NYCHA would have their complaints closed out without any information provided, and at times the work not being completed. This bill will provide accountability and transparency for the residents of NYCHA. This will go a long way in helping solve many of the complaints we receive daily. I thank Governor Hochul, and Senator Ramos for working together and getting this done."

Legislation S.72-A/A.938-7A requires data of outstanding code violations in public housing developments be maintained in the same way it is for privately owned housing, which will shed light on the condition of said public housing.

State Senator Brad Hoylman said, "Our public housing should not be insulated from public accountability. Right now, there is no system in place that collects data on outstanding code violations in NYCHA residences. Private tenants in New York City can call "311," but complaints that NYCHA residents make do not get recorded. I am grateful for Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, my Democratic Senate colleagues, and Governor Hochul for working to address this fault in our public housing accountability systems. With S.72A, New York City will finally be able to shed a light on the conditions of our NYCHA facilities and give all New Yorkers the safe and clean housing they deserve."

Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes said, "I applaud the signing of the Public Database for NYCHA Open Code Violations Bill (A09387/S72) into law, bringing our country's largest existing stock of Public Housing to the same standard that the rest of our existing housing units are required to meet. This bill will provide all residents and leaders with a tool that can be used to hold their housing agency accountable. By requiring NYCHA to maintain data on outstanding code violations in their developments, we can start to collectively provide our working-class residents with decent housing and dignity that we all deserve."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "NYCHA residents deserve the same safe, high-quality, affordable housing that every New Yorker deserves, and I am glad to have Governor Hochul as a partner in the effort to make that a reality. Finally, we have a governor and a mayor working together to deliver real, much-needed improvements in NYCHA, and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to build on the Public Housing Preservation Trust and give NYCHA residents the clean, safe homes they need."

The signing of this legislation builds upon Governor Hochul's dedication to providing safe, affordable housing for New Yorkers. In July alone, Governor Hochul announced the completion of affordable housing projects in Niagara County and Oswego, and the start of construction on affordable housing projects in Seneca County and East Buffalo.

In June, Governor Hochul signed legislation creating the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, a public benefit corporation, to help fund repair, rehabilitation, and modernization of 25,000 apartments under NYCHA control. The Trust also guarantees homes are kept affordable by preserving rights that ensure residents only pay 30 percent of their income toward rent, residents maintain all current succession rights, apartments will continue to be reserved for low-income residents, and that apartment vacancies will continue to be filled using the NYCHA waiting list.