Empire State Review Team 
Governor Kathy Hochul signed groundbreaking legislation today to legalize basement apartments in New York City, providing a pathway to bring thousands of units up to code and alleviate the city’s housing crisis. The law, passed by the state legislature earlier this summer, creates a streamlined process for landlords to legalize existing basement units while ensuring tenant safety.
The legislation allocates $200 million in funding for renovations, including adding fire exits, proper ventilation, and floodproofing measures. The program prioritizes properties in flood-prone areas and low-income neighborhoods, where illegal basement apartments are most common.
“This is a win-win for tenants and landlords,” Hochul said during a signing ceremony in Jamaica, Queens. “It increases the housing supply while ensuring these units are safe and habitable.”
Advocates for affordable housing praised the law as a practical solution to the city’s housing shortage. “Basement apartments have been a lifeline for many families,” said Annetta Seecharran, executive director of Chhaya CDC, a housing nonprofit. “This law makes sure they’re no longer living in unsafe conditions.”
Landlords who fail to comply with the new regulations will face steep fines, and the city plans to launch an outreach campaign to educate property owners about the legalization process. The Department of Buildings will oversee inspections and provide technical assistance to landlords navigating the new system.
