We need housing solutions now, not 10 years from now

A lack of affordable housing is one of the biggest crises in the state, with tens of thousands of New Yorkers fearing evictions or homelessness. In her State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul trotted out a parade of proposals designed to charm New Yorkers into thinking that solutions are just around the corner.

The only catch: We have to grin and bear it for at least the next ten years while her plan to build 800,000 units comes to fruition. And even then, tenants will not be protected from arbitrary increases or unjust evictions.

The governor’s focus on long-term housing proposals isn’t enough. Here are two proposals that could immediately serve tenants: “good cause” eviction legislation and the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP). These are landmark pieces of legislation that, combined, would singlehandedly keep millions of tenants safely housed and saved from homelessness.

“Good cause” is hardly a radical idea — unless treating tenants like human beings is a radical concept. It simply requires landlords to demonstrate justification for evicting tenants in unregulated units while guaranteeing landlords rent increase of at least 1.5 times inflation. It’s budgetneutral and would protect tenants from exorbitant rent hikes — allowing them to advocate for repairs without the fear of retaliation. Support for the bill is robust, with nearly 70 percent of New Yorkers, including policy and political science experts from all levels of government, in favor of its passage. What’s more, it’s a tested policy that other states like California, Oregon, and Washington state have had for years, and New Jersey for decades.

The other proposal — vouchers — would create a state-level initiative similar to Federal Section 8, with a priority given

“Good cause” eviction legislation and the Housing Access Voucher Program are two proposals that could immediately serve tenants.

to homeless New Yorkers who need a path to permanent housing. The bill is also designed to give vouchers to families on the verge of homelessness, allowing them to stay in their current homes.

Additionally, the program would provide one of the only housing vouchers accessible to undocumented individuals and mixed-status families, and it has the potential to generate savings for localities and the state by decreasing the

demand for other public benefits. Massachusetts and Connecticut have had similar state Section 8 programs for years.

Our leaders may be unaware, but the people see clearly: New York is reeling from the housing affordability crisis. Passing “good cause” and HAVP would transform the housing landscape in New York, providing vulnerable tenants the relief they need now — not ten years from now.