NY A00691

Authorizes public welfare officials to withhold rent payments to landlords when legally uncontested outstanding real property taxes exist on rental properties housing public assistance recipients.

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

Establishes that unpaid real property taxes on a rental property constitute a valid legal defense for welfare recipients in eviction or non-payment proceedings.

Prohibits landlords from obtaining eviction orders or money judgments against welfare recipients for non-payment of rent during periods when legally uncontested outstanding real property taxes remain unpaid on the property.

Allows public welfare departments to resume rent payments once outstanding taxes are paid in full or subject to an agreed payment plan.