Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, one of the only elected officials in the country with Tourette Syndrome, continued his longstanding efforts to house New Yorkers, protect against discrimination, and advance disability justice today. In a statement at a joiny hearing of the City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings and the Committee on Aging today to consider his bill, he argued that despite being prohibited by federal law under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, discrimination against disabled tenants is still prevalent, including through denial of reasonable accommodations.
"Disability discrimination complaints are reportedly the most common complaint received by federal and local agencies under the Fair Housing Act. People with disabilities have high rates of housing insecurity and experience poverty at twice the rate of nondisabled adults." argued Public Advocate Williams. "Additionally, disabled people are more likely to have medical debt, to receive lower pay, and to experience food insecurity all factors which contribute to an increased risk of eviction and homelessness... Further, having a record with an eviction filing, regardless of whether the eviction was granted, can be a barrier to obtaining rental housing in the future, which can keep renters with disabilities in a cycle of housing instability and homelessness."
The Public Advocate's legislation, Intro 584, would would require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to provide tenants with disabilities with information about legal services when they are facing eviction. It would also require the HPD Commissioner to report on any pattern of discrimination against disabled tenants.
He closed highlighting the ongoing eviction crisis citywide, acknowledging the challenges posed in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and pledging to work to "ensure that all people with disabilities in our city have access to stable, affordable, and accessible housing."
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