Effective Date: January 1st 2027
Key points:
- Rental Application Disclosures:
- Landlords must include in every rental application a notice describing the information and data they will attempt to access when conducting tenant screening.
- Screening Criteria Transparency:
- Applications must provide a general description of the factors the landlord will consider when evaluating applicants, including credit history, rental history, income, and criminal background (where applicable).
- Landlords are not required to adopt or disclose fixed disqualifying criteria.
- Third-Party Screening Service Disclosure:
- If a landlord uses a third-party tenant screening service, the application must disclose that fact and name the service.
- Redaction of Personal Identifying Information in Eviction Filings:
- Landlords must comply with court rules governing the protection and redaction of personal identifying information in eviction filings.
- Personal identifying information must be redacted from any supporting documents submitted to the court that may become publicly accessible.
- If a court requires the information, it may be submitted confidentially under Judicial Department procedures.
- Defined Personal Identifying Information:
- Includes Social Security number, birth date, driver's license number, state identification number, bank account number, credit card number, and debit card number.
- The legislation aims to increase transparency in tenant screening practices and protect tenants' personal data in eviction proceedings, reducing risks of identity theft, arbitrary denials, and long-term barriers to housing.
