Following a devastating blaze in the Bronx, New York lawmakers are proposing legislation aimed at holding landlords accountable for extended delays in repairing buildings and finding alternative housing for displaced tenants. The bill comes in the wake of a tragic fire at 2910 Wallace Ave. in Allerton, where over 250 residents were forced to flee their homes.

Read: Landlord Groups Block California Bill Extending Rent Deadline to 14 Days

State Bill Targets Delayed Repairs

A new state bill proposes to hold landlords accountable when tenants are left without homes for extended periods during repairs, often with little help in finding housing alternatives. The legislation aims to address the ongoing crisis in tenant displacement across New York City.

Tenants Plight

Yolanda Richardson, 58, was displaced from her rent-stabilized apartment in Allerton when a fire ravaged the building on January 10, 2025. Forced to flee with over 250 other residents, Richardson lost not only her home but also her affordable living arrangement, paying just $1,348 for a two-bedroom unit.

Forced to Couch-Surf

Since the fire, Richardson has been staying at her mother’s apartment in East New York. She describes the situation as uncomfortable and difficult for someone used to independent living. “I’m gonna be 59, and I’m on my mother’s sofa!” she said.

Also read: Two Advocates Detained After Vermont Passes Law of Housing Access for Immigrants

Landlord’s History of Negligence

The landlord, Ved Parkash, was found responsible for the fire due to faulty electrical wiring in the building. Parkash has a long history of housing code violations and was once listed among New York’s Worst Landlords in 2015. This is the third of his buildings to catch fire due to similar issues.

Dangerous Pattern of Fires

The fire at 2910 Wallace Ave. was the third fire in less than two years linked to Parkash’s properties. In June 2023, two fires at his Bronx buildings, 1420 Noble Ave. and 735-745 East 242nd Street, caused the deaths of two people, further highlighting the landlord’s negligence.

Also read: Eight Dallas Lawyers Defend Tenants in 600+ Eviction Cases Monthly

Legislation Responds to Crisis

The proposed bill is a direct response to cases like Richardson’s, where tenants face prolonged displacement without adequate assistance. State lawmakers are seeking to ensure that landlords face consequences for such neglect and that tenants are not left stranded in uncertain living conditions.

Also read: SF Board of Appeals Allows Demolition of Rental Housing, Setting Dangerous Precedent

Advocates Push for Action

Housing advocates are pushing for swift passage of the bill, arguing that it is necessary to prevent further hardship for displaced tenants. They emphasize that with New York’s ongoing housing crisis, immediate action is needed to protect vulnerable tenants from long-term displacement.

Next up:

California Governor Newsom Threatens to Reject California Budget Without Housing Bill

Bellingham City Votes to Eliminate ‘Junk Fees’ for Tenants

Tennessee’s Anti-Harboring Immigrants Law Faces Challenge Over Constitutionality

Safety Fears Grow as Westwood Mobile Home Tenants Protest Fence Removal