The eviction rate at some New York City Housing Authority developments that are managed by private developers under the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program is higher than the rate at traditional NYCHA complexes, according to an audit by city Comptroller Brad Lander.
The eviction rate at PACT-run NYCHA developments in fiscal year 2024 was 0.57%, compared to 0.12% for traditional NYCHA complexes, the audit found. The rate of eviction filings was 9.5% at PACT developments, but 1.9% at traditional complexes in calendar year 2023.
“NYCHA residents deserve genuine input into decisions about their future, and clear information about their options," said Lander.
The comptroller's office conducted the audit after the NYCHA Resident Audit Committee recommended it. The audit comes at a time when residents at all NYCHA complexes are deciding on whether to stay a traditional NYCHA development, become a Public Housing Preservation Trust or work with a PACT to try to speed up much needed repair work.
The audit also found that NYCHA did not ensure that PACT property managers developed standard operating procedures for each of their sites covering pre-eviction outreach, eviction notices and filings and evictions.
PACT property managers failed to perform adequate outreach, including making a minimum of two attempts to contact residents at risk of eviction, informing residents they may qualify for financial assistance, using on-site social service providers to engage with residents or entering into repayment agreements, the audit said.
NYCHA has converted 87 developments to PACT, with 23,312 units housing 41,475 residents, according to the city’s Fiscal Year 2024 Mayor’s Management Report. NYCHA’s goal is to convert 62,000 units to PACT by 2028.
"Given the massive repair needs, likelihood of funding cuts over the next four years and everyday living conditions that so many residents are facing, NYCHA residents need multiple pathways to comprehensive rehabilitation," Lander said. "This audit provides valuable information – both for NYCHA to better oversee the PACT program, and for residents to be empowered to make decisions about the future of their housing.”
