NY A00327

Creates a statewide residential rental registry administered by the New York Secretary of State requiring owners of covered dwellings (rental properties with two or more families) to register annually.

Establishes civil penalties of $250 or $25 per residential unit (whichever is greater) for owners who fail to register, and denies non-compliant owners the right to recover possession for nonpayment of rent.

Requires the Secretary of State to develop a public online searchable database displaying owner names, property addresses, number of rental units, code violations (categorized as immediately hazardous, hazardous, or non-hazardous), and harassment findings.

Directs local governments with existing rental registries to submit information to the state database if compliant with state rules; non-compliant local programs require owners to register directly with the state.

Registration begins one year after the bill's effective date, with the public online database active within two years; registry information is admissible as prima facie evidence in housing-related court proceedings.