Judith Goldiner and Ellen Davidson, respectively Attorney-in-Charge and Staff Attorney with The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Law Reform Unit, contributed an op-ed in today’s AMNY urging state lawmakers to prioritize passage of the “Right to Remain” bill (S3082/A5573) – legislation that would expand protections for tenants in unregulated apartments throughout the state.

The bill would grant tenants in unregulated apartments the right to a renewal lease, forbid landlords from “unconscionable” rent increases, and prevent arbitrary evictions – all crucial protections in New York’s post-COVID housing landscape.

Housing advocates have found recent success in implementing “Right to Remain” legislation in cities, states, and localities across the nation. Its growing popularity comes in response to the economic destruction inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which generated widespread housing insecurity among tenants who have lost their incomes due to state-mandated lockdowns. A recent poll conducted by Data for Progress shows that roughly 70% of New Yorkers support tenants having a right to lease renewals and limits in rent increases, protections afforded by the “Right to Remain” bill.

“As we slowly emerge from the pandemic crisis, state lawmakers must take stock of New York’s housing policies and protections in order to stave off another burgeoning crisis: a potential deluge of evictions once evictions moratoriums lift,” they write.

Read the full piece here.