NY S02453

Establishes a bureau of the senior tenants' advocate within the state office for the aging to assist senior tenants with complaints related to housing, landlord disputes, rent increases, and matters involving the division of housing and community renewal.

Governor appoints a state senior tenants' advocate with expertise in landlord and tenant law to administer the bureau and report directly to the director of the office for the aging.

Senior tenants' advocate must identify and resolve complaints from senior tenants, provide information about assistance programs, monitor housing policies and regulations, and forward complaints to appropriate agencies while informing the tenant of the referral.

Prohibits retaliatory discrimination against any tenant who files a complaint with the senior tenants' advocate or provides statements and testimony in connection with such complaints.

Requires the senior tenants' advocate to submit an annual report to the governor, legislative leaders, and the public analyzing complaint data, evaluating problems, and recommending legislation and regulatory actions to preserve senior tenant rights.

Takes effect 180 days after enactment, with authorization for necessary rules and regulations to be completed by that date.