NY A04705

Declares housing as a basic human right and identifies "warehousing" (intentionally withholding housing from the market) as contributing to housing shortages in New York State and New York City.

Makes it unlawful to intentionally withhold housing accommodations from the market, including withholding for purposes of future co-operative apartment conversion, in addition to existing harassment prohibitions.

Establishes civil penalties for housing warehousing violations: minimum $2,000 to maximum $3,000 for first offense, and minimum $10,000 to maximum $11,000 for subsequent offenses or violations affecting multiple housing accommodations.

Applies penalties under both New York City's administrative code (section 26-516) and the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974, with violations determined by the commissioner after hearing.

Takes effect immediately, with amendments to rent control law provisions expiring when the respective emergency housing laws expire.