NY A01244

Authorizes public welfare officials to withhold rent payments when a landlord has legally uncontested outstanding real property taxes on the rental property.

Requires tax assessment departments to provide information about paid or unpaid real property taxes to welfare departments upon request.

Establishes that welfare recipients have a valid legal defense against eviction or non-payment claims when the property owner has uncontested outstanding real property taxes.

Allows landlords to recover withheld rent once outstanding taxes are paid in full or subject to an agreed payment plan approved by the appropriate tax authority.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.