State lawmakers strike deal allowing rent stabilization upstate

ALBANY — A legislative deal on tenant protections announced Tuesday night includes an option for upstate municipalities to opt into a rent stabilization program previously reserved for downstate communities.

The pro-tenant measure would apply to buildings with six or more units built before 1974 and ensure tenants have a right to renew their lease and avoid sharp increases in rent. The protections are less strict on landlords than rent control, but there are concerns that they could have unintended negative consequences.

The state's current stabilization laws are limited to New York City and Nassau, Westchester and Rockland counties.

Upstate communities would need to meet specific statutory requirements, such as less than five percent vacancy in the housing stock, to opt into the program.

Read more: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/State-lawmakers-strike-deal-allowing-rent-13970037.php