Tenant Advocates Push for Statewide Rent Laws

New York City rent laws will expire June 15, but tenant advocates want more than just a renewal of local rent regulations from the state legislature.

At a state Assembly hearing, advocate and Upstate-Downstate Housing Alliance member Micheal McKee said the tenants in Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester want the same protections. "Thinking of it statewide is at best a new idea that takes some time to get your mind around, but I think it is time," he told lawmakers.

Advocates say they are also seeking to close loopholes in the current rent regulations, including one that often lets landlords deregulate rent-stabilized housing. The eight bills are also under consideration in the senate.