Landlords who exploit tenants and manipulate the housing market could face significant financial penalties under the Landlord Accountability Act of 2025, introduced Tuesday by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).
The proposed legislation establishes fines for landlords who engage in discriminatory practices, disqualify units from federal housing programs or intentionally hold rent-stabilized units vacant-- a practice known as “warehousing," according to a press release.
Under the bill, landlords found guilty of income-based discrimination could face fines of up to $100,000. The legislation expands protections under the Fair Housing Act to tenants receiving income from Section 8 vouchers, government housing assistance, Social Security or other sources.
Tenants subjected to such discrimination would also gain legal recourse, ensuring landlords who deny housing based on income source face financial consequences.
The bill includes severe penalties for landlords who keep rent-stabilized units intentionally vacant to manipulate rental prices. A recent estimate revealed landlords in New York City withheld 26,000 regulated units from the market in 2023, driving up housing costs amid a worsening affordability crisis.
If passed, landlords found to be intentionally warehousing units for more than 60 days would face fines of $100,000 for every 30 days a unit remains unoccupied beyond the initial turnover period.
Landlords who attempt to disqualify properties from federal housing programs by neglecting repairs or other actions could also face fines of up to $100,000 per violation. A portion of the fines would be allocated directly to aggrieved tenants.
Velázquez attributed the housing crisis, in part, to dishonest landlords.
“New York City is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, made worse by the unscrupulous practices of certain landlords across the city," she said. "Landlords who prioritize profit over people by forcing families and seniors out of Section 8-eligible housing must be stopped and held accountable."
