A resolution passed by the New York City Council urges the state legislature to pass new legislation requiring landlords to cover the costs of temporary housing for tenants displaced by fires caused by the negligence of their landlords.
Resolution Urges State Action Following Sunnyside Blaze
Resolution 802, put forth by Council Member Julie Won, supports legislation put forth by State Senator Mike Gianaris and Assembly Member Claire Valdez. The proposed state measure, S.3886/A.5427, was brought on by the terrible five-alarm fire that devastated a Sunnyside apartment building at 43-09 47th Ave. in December 2023, causing over 250 tenants to evacuate.
State Legislation Stalls, But Lawmakers Vow to Press On
Gianaris’s bill passed the State Senate in June, but due to operational issues, the Assembly did not approve it. By requiring landlords to pay for temporary housing until tenants can return home, the legislation would create a financial incentive for them to expedite repairs, Gianaris said.
He called it “disappointing” that the bill did not pass this time and said he will reintroduce it when the Senate reconvenes the following year.
City Council Also Advances Back Home Act
Resolution 802 passed alongside two other bills from the Back Home Act, a legislative package aimed at helping New Yorkers displaced by emergencies.
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez sponsored Intro-749, which requires the mayor to designate an agency to serve as a central resource for displaced tenants. Intro-750 mandates new reporting requirements for building repairs and demolition attempts by landlords.
Won said these reforms are essential and will help to ensure that tenants displaced by fire don’t end up homeless.
A&E Real Estate Faces Scrutiny
In the Sunnyside case, A&E Real Estate offered temporary units to some tenants, but many declined due to the distant locations, which disrupted community ties. A&E has blamed slow insurance processes for the delay in rebuilding.
“Every day this building sits empty is a loss, and a hardship to the families that called it home” an A&E spokesperson said.
Gianaris dismissed A&E’s defense as “absurd,” insisting the company must do more to restore housing for the displaced families.
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