Attorney General James reminds landlords not to raise rent if they accepted pandemic relief

ROCHESTER N.Y. (WHEC) — Landlords statewide are getting some strongly worded pushback from New York’s attorney general.

Letitia James announced on Tuesday that she sent a memo to landlords stating any rise in rental rates would be illegal if they accepted pandemic assistance.

The press release from her office also points to reports from tenants throughout the state, facing rental rate increases from landlords who’ve gotten that help.

"This program was created to support struggling tenants and keep New Yorkers in their homes during the pandemic,” James said. “Landlords who accepted payments from the state yet are still raising rents are double-dipping and breaking the law."