NYC Considering Banning Landlords from Doing Tenant Criminal Background Checks
The New York City Council is considering a bill that would block landlords from conducting criminal background checks for tenants.
The bill, “Fair Chance for Housing Act,” has the backing of 30 or more City Council members. That’s a majority of the New York City Council which has 51 members in total.
According to The New York Post, New York City Mayor Eric Adams will sign the bill if it is presented to him.
“No one should be denied housing because they were once engaged with the criminal justice system, plain and simple,” Adams spokesman Charles Lutvack told The Post.
“We will work closely with our partners in the City Council to ensure this bill has maximum intended impact.”
If signed into law, NYC would follow other areas in the U.S. including San Francisco and Chicago.
A similar bill failed last year but new progressives in the City Council are pressing forward with the new bill.
ABC News reported on the bill:
New York City continues to put those that broke laws before law abiding residents.
