Tenant Harassment Law Upheld as Constitutional

The Rent Stabilization Association of NYC, Inc. (RSA) and two real estate companies sued the City of New York, claiming that Local Law 7 of 2008, known as the New York City Tenant Protection Act, improperly expanded the jurisdiction of the housing court beyond the limits set by the New York State Constitution. The court and appeals court ruled against RSA, finding that the housing court has the authority to enforce laws that establish and maintain housing standards. Local Law 7 permits tenants who claim to have been harassed to sue their landlords for civil penalties, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees. Among the actions defined as harassment are physical force, interruption of essential services, or bringing baseless legal proceedings.

Prometheus Realty Corp. v. City of New York: 111132/08, 2010 NY Slip Op 08373 (App. Div. 1 Dept.; 11/16/10; Saxe, PJ, Andrias, Sweeny, Nardelli, Catterson, JJ)