It could soon be easier for formerly incarcerated people to find housing in New York City.
The City Council was set to approve a measure on Wednesday evening that would prohibit property owners from discriminating against people with past convictions years after the fact. It would also make it illegal to discriminate against someone in the terms of a lease or housing sale because of a prospective renter’s or buyer’s criminal record.
Councilmember Keith Powers said clearing the path for people with criminal histories to rent or buy homes will help them find stability and rebuild their lives.
“This has been a barrier that stood in the way for a very long time, and this will open up more opportunities for them to live in a good, safe and affordable neighborhood,” said Powers, who sponsored the bill. “That’s what every New Yorker wants.”
Mayor Eric Adams has signaled that he’s likely to sign the bill into law.
“No one should be denied housing because they were once engaged with the criminal justice system, plain and simple,” said Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for the mayor.
But while advocates for affordable housing and criminal justice reform have supported the legislation, some property owners have expressed concerns.
Ann Korchak, board president of Small Property Owners of New York, said she’s worried that it could put her Upper West Side tenants in danger — especially the seniors who live in her apartments.
“I just feel responsible,” she said. “A bill like this makes it more difficult for me to create that environment that I’m trying to create.”
Korchak said she hasn’t ever denied someone an apartment because of a conviction on their record, and she hasn’t heard from other landlords who have. But she said she wants to have the option.
Korchak noted that Gov. Kathy Hochul has already signed the Clean Slate Act, a new state law that automatically seals many criminal convictions after several years.
She said the City Council bill adds…
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