NYC Bill Aims to Crack Down on Landlord Harassment with Felony Charges

A new bill proposed today, October 30, 2025, seeks to protect New York City residents from abusive landlords, with repeat offenders potentially facing felony charges.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, alongside state lawmakers, announced the legislation which aims to create stricter penalties for the systemic harassment of tenants in rent-regulated apartments. The bill intends to address a growing problem of landlords attempting to force out long-term, rent-stabilized tenants in favor of those who will pay market rates, contributing to the city’s ongoing housing affordability crisis.

“This reflects the reality of what we’re seeing on the ground of how tenant harassment is happening,” Bragg said. “Not just one isolated building but across multiple buildings in multiple neighborhoods.” The proposed law would give prosecutors more power to target landlords who engage in harassment across multiple properties, avoiding the limitations of pursuing separate, weaker cases. Recently, a landlord was indicted by Bragg for alleged harassment in a Chelsea building, mirroring complaints from tenants in an Upper West Side building where the same landlord is accused of similar tactics.

With over a million rent-stabilized apartments throughout the city, officials hope the bill will deter future harassment. Residents who believe they are victims of landlord harassment can contact the Manhattan DA’s Housing and Tenant Protection Unit at 212-335-3300 or email [email protected]. For more information on tenant rights, visit the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

The bill is currently working its way through Albany, and prosecutors are hopeful it will pass and provide them with the necessary tools to protect tenants.