NY A03803

Authorizes public welfare officials to withhold rent payments to landlords when legally uncontested outstanding real property taxes exist on the rental property where a welfare recipient resides.

Requires appropriate tax collection departments or agencies to provide information about unpaid real property taxes upon request to public welfare departments.

Establishes unpaid real property taxes as a valid legal defense in eviction proceedings or rent non-payment actions against welfare recipients, preventing landlords from obtaining possession or money judgments during periods when taxes remain outstanding.

Deems outstanding real property taxes as "paid" once the owner makes payment in whole or in part, or agrees to an established payment plan with the appropriate tax authority.

Allows public welfare departments to resume rent payments to landlords once taxes have been paid or a payment plan has been agreed upon, similar to existing provisions for housing code violations.