The New York City Council is set to make a significant stride in criminal justice reform and housing equity after a new measure, likely to be approved, will forbid landlords from discriminating against individuals with past criminal convictions.
This groundbreaking legislation, spearheaded by Councilmember Keith Powers, aims to facilitate housing access for formerly incarcerated people, thereby aiding their reintegration into society.
Mayor Eric Adams has indicated his support for the bill, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fair housing practices.
“No one should be denied housing because they were once engaged with the criminal justice system, plain and simple,” stated Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for the mayor.
The bill’s passage is a significant victory for advocates of affordable housing and criminal justice reform, who argue that stable housing is a crucial factor in reducing recidivism and supporting community reintegration. However, it has raised concerns among some property owners.
Despite these concerns, Powers emphasized that the City Council collaborated with various stakeholders, including landlords, to balance public safety and the need for inclusive housing policies. The bill includes a provision allowing landlords to review criminal records within a specific timeframe post-release — three years for misdemeanors and five years for felonies — and a provision to check state sex offender registries.
Landlords retain the right to deny housing based on standard rental application criteria, like income requirements or violent behavior on the property. Powers stressed that people should not continue to face barriers in securing housing after years without criminal activity.
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