New York Senate Bill S08559

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/29/25
• Refer: 10/29/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes the crime of aggravated harassment of a rent regulated tenant which occurs when an owner intentionally engages in a systematic ongoing course of conduct to induce three or more rent regulated tenants occupying different housing accommodations in two or more residential buildings to vacate such housing accommodations or if such owner commits the crime of harassment of a rent regulated tenant and was previously convicted of the same crime in the past five years.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is intended to enhance tenant protections against landlords who engage in harassment to encourage tenants to leave their residences. By establishing a clear legal definition of aggravated harassment and setting it as a class D felony, the bill aims to deter landlords from employing oppressive tactics against vulnerable tenants. This could lead to significant changes in landlord-tenant relationships, making it harder for owners to engage in harassment without facing legal repercussions.

Summary

Bill S08559 seeks to address the issue of aggravated harassment towards rent regulated tenants in New York State. The bill proposes amending the penal law to specifically define and criminalize the act of 'aggravated harassment of a rent regulated tenant.' This crime is characterized by an owner's systematic course of conduct aimed at inducing two or more rent regulated tenants from different residential buildings to vacate their accommodations. Such conduct may include impairing habitability, creating unsafe living conditions, or disturbing tenants' peace through interference with essential services.

Contention

While the bill is expected to garner support from tenant advocacy groups due to its protective measures for tenants, there could be points of contention regarding how the bill could be enforced. Landlords may argue against the potential broad interpretations of what constitutes harassment and may raise concerns about the implications for lawful eviction processes. The bill acknowledges that a good faith eviction action, executed legally, does not constitute harassment, which may help assuage some fears but might still lead to debates over enforcement standards and tenant rights.

Notable points

The bill entails a punitive approach for owners who are previously convicted of tenant harassment within a span of five years, escalating the seriousness of their actions into felony charges if they are found to be engaging in systematic harassment again. This creates a legal precedent aimed at protecting rent regulated tenants and serves to discourage repeat offenders who exploit loopholes in housing laws.