BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Masten District councilman Ulysees Wingo is working to protect tenants in the City of Buffalo.
He proposed a resolution during Tuesday’s common council meeting to create a measure that would stabilize rent hikes in the city.
New York State law currently has no restrictions for 56 of 62 counties on landlords increasing rent.
It just states that rent increases must “reasonable” and have proper notice.
There are no definitions for “reasonable” or “proper notice”.
DeAnna Easton is the executive director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), a housing equity organization.
She told 7EWN many clients come in with concerns over price hikes, worried landlords are trying to circumstantially evict them.
But, at times the hikes are because housing providers can not afford their bottom line.
Pushing tenants out, she said, can lead to people finding housing in subpar conditions where it’s not safe.
“Affordable doest always mean adequate, affordable doesn’t always mean safe, it doesn’t mean comfortable for your family,” said Eason.
According to RentCafé, the average rent in Buffalo is around $1,100 for an 800 sq. ft. apartment.
