Keep The Pressure ON!

In December, City Council Speaker Peter Vallone introduced a bill that will renew the rent laws. But the struggle is far from over. There are three main reasons why tenants must remain vigilant from now until the end of March.

Vallone’s Legacy: A Landlord Ally in the City Council.

In 1994, Vallone’s City Council passed the notoriously anti-tenant “vacancy decontrol” amendment. In the six years since its passing, tens of thousands of apartments have been deregulated. Last year, Vallone railroaded a bill through the Council which minimized landlords’ responsibility for lead-paint violations. Despite this abysmal record, Vallone still depicts himself as an ally to tenants. Tenants should be wary of his gestures until the ink is dry and the rent laws are actually renewed.

Weakening Amendments: The Landlords’ Sneak Attack.

Although Vallone’s bill looks decent, tenants must see it in its proper context. Introducing a bill at this stage allows Vallone (and his allies) to look good without any guarantees. If weakening amendments are introduced later, there’s nothing to stop the Council from voting to seriously damage the rent laws—even as they vote for their “renewal.” This is exactly what happened in 1994. We must get commitments from every Councilmember who claims to be “pro-tenant” to vote against any weakening amendments. A commitment to vote for the Vallone bill alone is meaningless.

The Council Has the Chance to Take an Active Stance.

Every tenant in New York knows the state of tenant protections is pathetic. Councilmembers Steve DiBrienza and Stanley Michels will be introducing important resolutions which benefit tenants.

First, DiBrienza is introducing a bill that will:

• abolish the $15 “poor tax” that gets slapped on all rents of $500 or less.
• change the 7.5% annual increase on rent-controlled apartments to the lesser percentages set for rent-stabilized apartments.

Second, DiBrienza is calling for a resolution to:

• overturn vacancy decontrol
• overturn luxury decontrol
• overturn the 18-20% vacancy increases.

Last, Michels is calling for a resolution to:

• overturn the “Urstadt Law.” This relic of the Rockefeller administration prevents the Council from strengthening the city’s rent laws without permission from the state legislature.

Although all Councilmembers should be contacted, Met Council is specifically targeting 20 whom we think are key. From now until March 15, Met Council will be arranging meetings with these key Councilmembers.

Please join us at these meetings! (see listing)

If you cannot come in person to a meeting, then be sure to write, fax or call your Councilmember. Tell them that as a tenant in their district you want them to pledge:

1. To vote yes for Vallone’s rent-laws-renewal bill.
2. To vote against any anti-tenant amendments that come up.
3. To vote yes on the DiBrienza companion bill and resolutions and the Michels resolution.

Remember, it is crucial for a commitment on all three. A pledge of support for the Vallone bill alone means nothing. If they say yes, ask for it in writing and send Met Council a copy!

For sample letters or other materials on the Rent Laws 2000 fight, call Met Council at (212) 693-0553, ext. 6.