Companies that create so-called “tenant blacklists” — used by landlords to deny prospective renters from getting apartments — could become regulated under a new piece of City Council legislation. The “blacklists” are created using housing court cases but the reason for the court case and its outcome are often not included in the reports, officials said. The lists are sold to landlords along with credit reports. “It’s insane that asserting your rights in court — or being wrongfully dragged to court by your landlord — can get you practically exiled from New York City,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer in a statement. The bill was authored by Councilman Ben Kallos, who introduced the legislation with Public Advocate Leticia James and Brewer. “This industry needs strong rules enforced by an equally strong consumer protection agency, so tenant screening doesn’t equal wholesale discrimination,” Brewer said.
