Non-payment filings dropped 2.4% in 2015 while actual evictions dropped 18.1% according to a report released yesterday by the Rent Guidelines Board. The Income and Affordability Study noted that non-payment filings dropped for the fourth year in a row while the number of homeless rose for the seventh year.
Meanwhile, overall rent collections rose 4.8% and expenses rose 5.6% according to the RGB’s analysis of Income and Expense Reports. Taxes remain the largest single expense, averaging $256 per apartment per month in the stabilized universe and $306 per month in post-46 construction. The RGB set May 3rd for its vote on a preliminary guideline, but hasn’t set dates for public hearings or a final vote yet.
The Court of Appeals, Tuesday, found in Yaniveth R. v. LTD Realty Co. that the owner of a building where a child was watched everyday by his grandmother did not have the same duty under the lead paint law as the building where the child resided with his parents. The decision hinged on defining the word “resides.”
The Appellate Division, Second Department, agreed that risking a building collapse by replacing an apartment window with a doorway and ramp for a handicapped tenant was structurally infeasible and overturned a fine and penalty against a building owner in Marine Holdings LLC vs. NYC Commission on Human Rights.
A new law creating a private right of action against building owners or agents who lie about whether housing is available for sale or rent for discriminatory purposes was signed by the Mayor, Wednesday.
HUD this week adjusted its definitions of low income for Section 8 and other programs. A single New Yorker earning less than $50,750 is now considered Low Income. A couple earning under $24,500 is Extremely Low Income.
This week’s BuildingsNY exhibitor focus is on Direct Energy. Meet them at the Javits Center May 24-25th.