We the People Demand a Tenant Bill of Rights

The Problem

Unlike most large cities, which on average have a majority of homeowners over renters, two-thirds of tenants in New York City are renters. Tenants, particularly renters, are often misled about the exact terms of their tenancy due to language that’s hard to understand. Given that nearly half of New Yorkers speak a language other than English at home, we must increase the accessibility of legal documents in other languages.

The Solution

Require that a document clearly outlining tenants’ rights, usually called a Tenant Bill of Rights (currently implemented in Washington, D.C.) be included in all lease agreements for New York City tenants. The document would cover, plainly, concisely, and in languages relevant to the tenant, the following topics:

• Utilities and landlord requirements 

• Security deposits

• Application fees

• Specific clauses for the elderly and disabled

• Rent increases 

• Eviction

• Discrimination

• Right to organize

• Quiet enjoyment and retaliation

• Building conditions, including hazards like mold and lead paint

• Pets

• Offer translation of legal documents to the native language of tenant

This Matters

Confusion on the matter of exact terms in lease agreements with landlords can have a significant domino effect. It can lead to tenants being trapped in contracts they did not fully understand when they entered them, in turn leading to a myriad of possible issues: late/missed payments; unacknowledged, open maintenance requests; loss of security deposits; unresolved complaints, etc. Lack of consistent payments, as a result, may also affect tenants’ credit scores, impacting their eligibility for housing and loans in the future. Landlords must be held accountable for direct language regarding their requirements and expectations of their tenants in lease agreements.