8legs: Institute for justice

#1 out of 1

Pray this new lawsuit frees up NYC ‘zombie’ apartments — to help tenants AND landlords

A group of small-property owners in New York filed a federal lawsuit to reclaim thousands of vacant apartments held back by rent rules.
The suit argues current laws constitute an unconstitutional taking by keeping vacant units off the market.
The fight focuses on 2019 Rent Stabilization Law changes under then-Governor Cuomo that restrict costs passed to new tenants.
Proponents say freeing zombie units could increase overall housing supply and benefit tenants and landlords alike.
The Institute for Justice is assisting the plaintiffs, having pursued related cases up to the Supreme Court.
The case arrives as New York politics consider rent-policy reforms amid a broader housing affordability debate.
Editors note that the zoning and rent policy changes have created a large stock of vacant units.
The article notes potential implications for eviction protections and rent regulation if the court rules favorably.
The publication positions the case as a potential trigger for legislative tweaks to address zombie apartments.
The piece emphasizes the ongoing tension between tenant protection and landlord finance in New York housing policy.

Vote 0