NY S00303

Establishes a Bureau of the Senior Tenants' Advocate within the Office for the Aging to assist senior tenants with complaints involving the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, landlord disputes, rent increases, and housing-related matters.

Governor appoints a State Senior Tenants' Advocate with expertise in landlord and tenant law to administer the bureau and report directly to the Director of the Office for the Aging.

Advocate must identify and resolve senior tenant complaints by making referrals to appropriate agencies, provide information about assistance programs, and monitor federal, state, and local housing policies affecting seniors.

Upon receiving a complaint, the advocate must immediately determine the appropriate agency for referral and inform the tenant where the complaint was forwarded; receiving agencies must provide written notice of complaint receipt to the advocate.

Prohibits retaliation or discrimination against tenants for filing complaints with the advocate; requires the advocate to submit annual reports to the Governor, legislature, and Director analyzing complaint data and making recommendations for legislation and policy improvements.

Act takes effect 180 days after becoming law, with necessary regulations to be promulgated by the effective date.