New York City Council Passes Legislation Making 'Certification of No Harassment' Permanent for Distressed Housing

NEW YORK, NY — The New York City Council voted 43–6 to enact legislation permanently establishing the Certification of No Harassment (CONH) program, preventing predatory landlords in gentrifying neighborhoods from obtaining Department of Buildings renovation permits without proving they have not harassed rent-stabilized tenants.

Protecting Low-Income Renters Against Displacement

The permanent statute expands CONH protections across 11 community districts in Upper Manhattan, the South Bronx, and Central Brooklyn. Under the law, property owners with open housing court violations or utility cutoff complaints must undergo rigorous Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) investigations before demolishing, altering, or subdividing residential buildings.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams affirmed that the permanent program halts tenant harassment tactics and safeguards precious rent-stabilized housing stock.

Real Estate Industry Feedback and Legal Challenges

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) raised concerns regarding administrative delays in permit issuance for standard building maintenance.

Tenant advocacy organizations across Brooklyn and Queens celebrated the permanent statutory protections.

Mayoral Implementation

The legislation becomes effective immediately upon mayoral certification.