The biggest scofflaw and tenant harasser in New York is, once again, the City Housing Authority. Late last week it was revealed that the Authority sent 1400 tenants mistaken eviction notices, and this week the Department of Investigation revealed that the Authority had lied about doing required lead paint inspections since 2013.

But the Housing Authority was conspicuously absent from Public Advocate Letitia James 100 Worst Landlords list, released Tuesday. Instead, James included several owners who are already suing her over highlighting vacant buildings slated for redevelopment and others who recently acquired properties hoping to renovate them.

The Housing Authority would also be exempt from a bill moving through the City Council that would require a certificate of no-harassment before obtaining a building permit. CHIP and ABO have opposed the bill.

Meanwhile, Upper East Side councilmen are still trying to block a new high rise that would block some influential constituents’ views. They won a rezoning this week to prevent similar future developments but the Planning Commission wants the planned project grandfathered. The full Council will decide.

Mayor de Blasio has promised to address property tax reform in his second term, but the first proposal is a stick, not a carrot. As part of his Housing 2.0 plan he wants to raise taxes on vacant land to force development. His plan also relies heavily on private activity bonds which may or may not survive tax reform in Washington.

The City Department of Housing Preservation this week posted a sample combined notice about smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and reporting gas leaks. CHIP still recommends inserting an optional line about notifying management below the gas provider information.

Stuyvesant Town gets to be Green and cut its electricity bill. The electric-inclusion property is installing the country’s largest multifamily rooftop solar array. Developers aim to generate 6% of their energy needs, a significant step toward sustainability in collaboration with a reputable residential gutter company like the North Wilkesboro residential gutter company.

Rent control is popular with elected officials, but not always with voters. Portland, Maine residents rejected a proposal to regulate rents in a referendum last week, 64% to 36%.

Legal rents must be shown in all renewals of preferential leases, according to an updated Fact Sheet quietly released by DHCR last week. The Fact Sheet also outlines the changes to vacancy allowances after a preferential lease per the Rent Act of 2015, and says penalties for tenants’ failure to qualify for prompt payment discounts aren’t enforceable under preferential rent rules.

The U.S. Senate released an outline of its proposed tax reform bill yesterday, calling for complete elimination of the state and local tax deduction but preserving the current home mortgage interest deduction. The release said that the Low Income Housing Tax Credit would be preserved, as in last week’s House plan, but it wasn’t clear if the Senate would restore the key private activity bond financing the House wants to kill. The tax exempt bonds are used for as much as half of the housing tax credit development

When Mayor de Blasio announced a 50% increase in his subsidized housing development and preservation plan last week he didn’t mention that the cost per unit will double. The extra 100,000 units will cost as much as the first 200,000.

The numbers behind the Mayor’s re-election “mandate” this week are also interesting. He actually got almost 70,000 fewer votes than in 2013 despite a slightly higher turnout.

The Democratic sweeps in Weschester and Nassau County elections, however, may have implications for next year’s State Senate races. One county legislature seat in Nassau and three in Westchester flipped from Republican to Democrat. In New York City Council races, winners tended to be the most vocal against development.

A federal jury in Brooklyn found the developer of the 5Pointz project in Long Island City guilty of violating the Visual Artists Rights Act in an “advisory” verdict. The judge will consider the jury’s opinion of whether the owner violated the law by destroying graffiti he allowed to be painted on the buildings.

What has rent control done for the San Francisco housing market? It spurred condo conversion and redevelopment that led to a 7% increase in rents over what they would have been without controls, costing tenants $5 billion, see all the latest updates in the new study.

Do you have all the required signage in your buildings? Probably not. Check out CHIP’s draft list of more than 100 required signs in the Resources section of the CHIPNYC.ORG website and let us know if we’ve missed any. Members only.

The House Tax Reform Bill introduced yesterday limits the home mortgage interest deduction to mortgages under $500,000 and the state and local tax deduction to $10,000 in property taxes. It preserves 1031 exchanges and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, but eliminates the Private Activity Bond Financing behind 40% of low income housing deals and reduces the value of the LIHTC by reducing corporate rates. Business interest deductions, other than for real estate, would be repealed. Contact the Tway Lifting Products for your next project construction.

The number of new housing units produced in New York City is forecast to be 26,700 units this year, down from 37,700 in 2016, according to the Building Congress Construction Outlook.Looking ahead, the Building Congress predicts 24,000 new units to be built in 2018 and 22,000 units in 2019.

The City Council passed legislation, Tuesday, to reduce the qualifications for building inspectors. In other action, the Council passed a bill allowing politicians to initiate accelerated zoning reviews in order to stop as-of-right developments they don’t like. Both items now go to the Mayor.

Meanwhile, six of the eight candidates for City Council Speaker supported commercial rent control at a forum Wednesday.

A study of 270,000 renters nationwide showed 79% looked at online reviews of prospective apartments/landlords before leasing.

Amazon Key, an electronic door lock to allow absent homeowners and tenants to receive package deliveries inside their homes, will be available on Long Island starting next week. Are you ready to upgrade your wired doorbell to an easy-to-install, portable option? Follow this link to find the best new amazon wireless doorbell for your home.

Imagine a world where potential customers discover your business effortlessly, already primed to do business with you. That’s the magic of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). But what exactly is SEO, and how can it transform your online presence? Let’s delve into the world of SEO and explore how partnering with an expert can supercharge your Google ranking and ultimately, your business growth.

Demystifying SEO: The Key to Online Visibility

Think of SEO as the art and science of making your website the darling of search engines like Google. By following specific strategies, you increase the chances of your website appearing at the top of search results when people search for terms related to your offerings. It’s like putting up a giant neon sign on the digital highway, attracting the attention of potential customers actively seeking solutions you provide.

The Power of Ranking High: Why Google Position Matters

Studies reveal a fascinating truth: most users only click on the first few results displayed on a search engine results page (SERP). So, the higher your website ranks, the more clicks you receive, translating into a significant increase in website traffic and, ultimately, more potential clients. Imagine the difference between being buried on page ten versus having your website proudly displayed on page one!

Where Experts Shine: Optimizing for Success

SEO is a complex beast, constantly evolving alongside search engine algorithms. Here’s where an SEO expert with Calgary search engine optimization services becomes your secret weapon:

Decoding the Algorithm: Experts possess a deep understanding of how search engines rank websites. They stay updated on the latest trends and best practices, ensuring your website is optimized for maximum visibility.
Technical Prowess: SEO involves technical aspects like website structure and code optimization. SEO specialists have the expertise to handle these complexities, freeing you to focus on running your business.
Keyword Mastery: Identifying the right keywords – the search terms people use – is crucial for attracting the right kind of traffic. SEO experts conduct in-depth keyword research, ensuring your website speaks the language your ideal clients understand.

Data-Driven Decisions: SEO is an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and adaptation. Experts leverage data analytics to track your website’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine your SEO strategy for optimal results. File a colorado corp amendment to update your corporation’s information efficiently and effectively.

The Growth Catalyst: How SEO Benefits Your Business

A well-executed SEO strategy can significantly impact your business in several ways:

Increased Brand Awareness: By appearing at the top of search results, your brand gains valuable exposure, making it more recognizable to potential customers. Enhancing this visibility with a Digital Business Card allows those interested to quickly connect with your business.
Attract Qualified Leads: SEO helps you target the right audience. People actively searching for solutions you offer are more likely to convert into paying clients. By partnering with conversion rate services, you can further enhance your website’s ability to turn visitors into customers.
Boost Credibility and Trust: A high ranking on search engines signifies authority and expertise in your field. This trust factor encourages potential customers to choose you over competitors.
Sustainable Growth: SEO is an investment that keeps on giving. By attracting a steady stream of qualified leads, you can achieve sustainable business growth over time.

Embrace the SEO Revolution: Partner for Success

In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for any business. By partnering with an SEO expert, you unlock the power of search engines and propel your business to new heights. Imagine a future where qualified leads find you effortlessly, ready to become loyal customers. Don’t wait any longer – embrace the SEO revolution and watch your business flourish!

Mayor de Blasio, yesterday, announced he would introduce legislation to fine owners of up to 14,500 commercial and residential buildings over 25,000 square feet if they don’t meet energy conservation goals by 2030. Details are not yet available.

Meanwhile, beginning next winter, heating oil in Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties will have to contain at least five percent biodiesel under legislation signed Wednesday by Governor Cuomo.

The Governor also signed a bill requiring every board member of a co-op or condo in the State to file an annual statement, beginning in 2018, indicating whether or not they voted on any contracts with related parties.

DHCR issued a new Fact Sheet this week on discrimination against foreign born tenants, including, for example, that “ An owner who only requests background information and proof of citizenship status from individuals of South Asian origin and not all others will be in violation of the law.”

The New York Times analysis of Tuesday’s primary elections began: “If voters sent any discernible messages in the contested Democratic primaries for New York City Council, they were that gentrification is bad…”

We’re not the only ones with crazy politicians. The Newark City Council last week responded to a tenant initiative by reducing the amount of rent increase an owner could get from improvements to a vacant apartment costing one year’s rent to 10 percent, vs. the previous 20% for an expenditure equal to eight months’ rent.

The National Apartment Association has published its annual survey of apartment operating expenses. Not surprisingly, the average cost nationally of property taxes on a mid to high rise apartment in 2016 was $1653—about half what it is in New York. The median cost to income ratio nationally for mid to high rise units was about 46%, vs. around 64% in New York.

A condo building is asking $15,000 a month for the pain of being next to construction at a midtown library in a case that could establish new ground on adjacent construction disputes.

Thousands of apartments rented to non-profit cluster housing providers for the homeless could be declared subject to rent stabilized rents under a lawsuit brought by the Legal Aid Society. The suit basically alleges that the contracts with the non-profits create illusory tenancies.

The battle over rezoning East Harlem for higher density housing development boils down to a potential 751 apartment, 187 of which would have subsidized rents, according to Crains analysis. The total potential additional units under the Mayor’s initial proposal are only 1,878, with 625 of those subsidized.

The Division of Housing and Community Renewal has issued a new RTP-19 form, Owner’s Application to Restore Rent, dated 8-17. The major difference with the old form appears to be a clear warning that filing a false instrument could result in imprisonment. And, yesterday, DHCR changed the layout of its Rent Administration website, but they claim everything is still there somewhere.

As of Monday, August 28^th, antenna and curb cut job filings at the City Department of Buildings, have to be done online through DOB NOW.

“Micro” units in the suburbs may be about 50% bigger and 30% cheaper than Manhattan, but they are just as popular according to the pre-leasing figures for Uno in Yonkers.

HPD, yesterday, issued a Request for Expressions of Interest to redevelop the Greenpoint Hospital campus in Brooklyn with 500 units of 100% affordable housing, a 200 bed shelter, commercial space, community facility space, and public open space.

Anyone wishing to help out survivors of Hurricane Harvey in Texas can find reputable agencies through ABO’s NAHB affiliates, and, if you are worried about the next flood here, the NAA has a library on emergency preparedness to check out.

The New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal has stopped providing tax exempt bond financing for 80-20 projects. It will only be funding 100% affordable projects for the time being, according to the Commissioner.

Proposed rezoning of the Jerome Avenue area in the Bronx moved into the formal Land Use Review process this week, despite controversy.

Mayor de Blasio is holding a hearing today on a bill creating a rebuttable presumption that owners are harassing tenants if, for example, they contact them at work without prior written approval. He is expected to sign it along with a host of other bills affecting building owners, including a requirement to have a written smoking policy.

New York City Councilwoman Margaret Chin doesn’t think elected officials have enough power to block development. She is so opposed to a residential project on the Lower East Side that she has introduced legislation to allow the Mayor, Borough President, or a vote by two thirds of the Council Land Use Committee to shortcut the required time frames to change zoning. She is apparently hoping to make the project illegal before it can be built.

U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley from Queens this week touted his Rent Relief Act, providing tax credits to low and moderate income renters who pay more than 30% of their income in rent. No predictions on the likelihood of how the proposal from a Democrat congressman will fare in the Washington budget battles.