NY A03957

Reduces the timeframe for landlords to correct rent impairing violations from six months to three months before tenants can withhold rent, and shortens the plan filing deadline from three months to one month

Eliminates the requirement for tenants to deposit disputed rent with the court clerk when raising rent impairing violations as a defense in eviction proceedings

Allows tenants who voluntarily paid rent during a rent impairing violation period to later recover that payment, reversing current law that bars such claims

Requires the Department of Housing to notify both residents and owners when rent impairing violations are placed, including a list of violations and explanation of tenant rights

Establishes that unlawfully evicted occupants (without proper court process) may commence proceedings to be restored to possession upon proof of unlawful eviction

Requires courts to hold an inquest before issuing default judgments in eviction cases when respondents fail to answer, with a mandatory 10-day stay on warrant issuance