NY A04491

Establishes an independent agency or office appointed by New York State Homes and Community Renewal to handle Mitchell-Lama resident complaints including harassment, unjustified rent increases, service failures, and conversion notification issues.

Requires ownership, managing agents, co-op boards, and supervising agencies to produce verified financial documentation from the comptroller accounting for all spending in the 10-year period prior to refinancing or conversion applications.

Mandates that all rent and carrying charge increases approved by HPD and DHCR receive final approval from the respective city or state comptroller, who must certify the increases are financially necessary and supported by verified financial review.

Prohibits rent and carrying charge increases based on future expense or loss projections unless the comptroller with jurisdiction agrees to monitor and confirm their validity and accuracy.

Requires the state to provide legal representation and pro se litigant support in landlord/tenant cases, establishes a court help desk for pro se litigants, and mandates judges and court staff with Mitchell-Lama expertise oversee related cases.