The Legal Aid Society filed a lawsuit against the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Diego Beekman Mutual Housing Association HDFC, challenging unlawful rent increases that potentially threaten the long-term tenancy and the stability of hundreds of Section 8 voucher holders.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a Bronx family, centers around NYCHA’s misuse of a law that allows landlords of regulated affordable housing developments to charge more money to tenants who receive housing subsidies, like Section 8. However, the extra cost is covered by rental assistance programs, so the tenant’s personal rent payment should not increase.

Contradicting the spirit and letter of the law, NYCHA approved a higher rent and passed along the increase to the tenant. NYCHA’s misapplication has led to a 300% increase in the Bronx family’s Section 8 rental share—an amount that now represents 90% of their total household income. The family’s landlord, Diego Beekman, which owns over 1200 low-income units in the Bronx, has also refused to rectify the error, further exacerbating the family’s risk of eviction.

“By forcing tenants to pay rent shares far beyond what the law allows, NYCHA is placing numerous families at risk of eviction,” said Edward Josephson, Supervising Attorney in the Civil Law Reform Unit at Legal Aid.

“We demand immediate action to prevent widespread displacement and to uphold the fundamental right to safe and affordable housing,” he continued. “This case represents a critical fight for housing justice and the preservation of affordable housing protections in New York City.”