NYC Mayor’s Office Issues Executive Order 08
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani has issued Executive Order 08 to enhance tenant protections against abusive landlord practices. The order emphasizes the need for safe housing conditions and addresses significant challenges faced by tenants throughout the city.
Overview of Executive Order 08
The Executive Order acknowledges that many New Yorkers are tenants who deserve safe and habitable living conditions. It highlights that negligent landlords put tenants at risk through various harmful practices, including:
- Hazardous code violations
- Delayed repairs
- Unlawful fees and price-gouging
- Deceptive and hidden charges
- Retaliation against tenant rights advocacy
These issues not only threaten the rights of tenants but also affect the city’s overall affordability and safety.
Establishment of “Rental Ripoff” Hearings
As part of the order, the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) will conduct public hearings across all five boroughs. These hearings aim to gather feedback from:
- Tenants
- Tenant organizations
- Social services agencies
- Advocacy groups
- Landlords and property managers
The hearings will delve into illegal and abusive landlord practices while discussing potential operational improvements. They are scheduled to occur within one hundred days of the issuance of this order.
Collaboration Among Agencies
To facilitate these hearings, the MOPT will collaborate with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Additional cooperation from other mayoral agencies will be sought as needed.
Public Report and Action Plan
Within ninety days following the last hearing, a joint report will be submitted to the Mayor. This report will summarize the issues raised by the public and propose actionable plans to combat harmful landlord practices. Key aspects of the report will include:
- Common themes and problems identified during hearings
- Strategies to improve enforcement of housing and tenant protections
- Enhanced coordination among agencies and with the public
Enforcement Priorities
The Executive Order mandates that all involved agencies prioritize the enforcement of tenant protection laws. The MOPT, HPD, DOB, and DCWP will work closely to ensure compliance with the New York City Human Rights Law. This enforcement effort aims to provide relief to tenants facing abusive practices and ensure prompt actions against violations.
This timely action by the Mayor’s office illustrates a commitment to improving tenants’ rights and housing standards across New York City.
