NYHC released a new policy brief today: Housing Connect Re-Rental Vacancy Problems. The brief looks at lengthy delays re-renting affordable housing units, costing developers thousands of dollars and delaying desperately needed housing for New York City’s struggling households.
The City must prioritize re-renting affordable housing as quickly and efficiently as possible. This will prevent affordable housing providers from unnecessarily losing income and decrease wait times for renters in need of affordable housing. The City must also improve functionality of the Housing Connect portal so that New Yorkers can view affordable housing vacancies.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Marketing requirements should be reformed to make filing re-rentals more efficient and to decrease the time units are vacant. The City should also improve transparency and choice for renters in search of affordable housing.
Exempt re-rentals from Housing Connect: Alternative marketing procedures should be established for affordable housing re-rentals. The City should set rules and conduct audits to ensure compliance and fairness.
Publicly post re-rentals: The City should post re-rentals on Housing Connect or another website so that New Yorkers have information on vacancies, but owners should not be required to lease up through any portal that does not offer an efficient experience for both renters and owners.
See the policy brief here.