Janet Sabel, Attorney-in-Chief of The Legal Aid Society, released the following statement today responding to Albany passing historic housing reforms.

“After decades of placing landlord profits over tenant rights, New York State has taken a historic step towards a fairer housing system by reforming the rent loopholes that allowed landlords and property owners to harass and displace tenants across the State. By passing this legislation, we are finally delivering equity and justice to our clients and all low-income New Yorkers.

While this is a momentous victory, we still have work to do in order to truly enact Universal Rent Control in New York State. We will continue fighting for essential legislation, like the Good Cause eviction bill, to protect the most vulnerable tenants from being pushed out of their homes.

The Legal Aid Society commends Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for helping to empower tenants across the State.”