The New York City Housing Receivership and Community Management Programs

Abstract

Each year New York City landlords abandon buildings containing an estimated 10,000 apartments, forcing tenants to leave as the ownerless buildings plunge into decay. At least half of these buildings are structurally solid and might last several more decades if not abandoned. Most are found in areas where problem buildings- buildings which have a potential for abandonment- will most likely be found. New York City has instituted a number of programs for dealing with buildings which are headed toward abandonment. They include code-enforcement, emergency repair and receivership programs, foreclosure for nonpayment of property taxes, and rehabilitation programs involving municipal loans, housing-repair contracts, and the conversion of buildings to tenant-owned cooperatives. This Note will trace the history, development, and operation of the New York City Housing Receivership Program, placing special emphasis on recent developments and innovations in the area of community group involvement