Last Wednesday night, Sen. James Skoufis held a renters’ rights forum at SUNY Orange’s Kaplan Hall.

The event focused on the new housing and protection laws passed by the state legislature this year. Speaking alongside Skoufis were legal professionals like Adam Markovics, Jaime Samarel, and Laurie Wheelock. During the event Skoufis emphasized that the event was merely for the purpose of being informative.

Skoufis started the event out explaining successful legislation that he’s helped spearhead. For example, recently, the state has strengthened retaliatory actions against evictions. Skoufis explained that it was found previously there weren’t enough protections in place to protect tenants from evictions. In addition, Skoufis discussed his recent legislation passed against anonymous LLCs.

Anonymous LLC.s are now required to disclose all information for any owners, agents, or managers associated with them at the time of real estate transactions.

Markovics and Samarel both practice law with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. They addressed common protection issues for renters and landlords in more detail. Wheelock of the Public Utility Law Project addressed utility issues for renters and landlords. Wheelock also explained situations that would be grounds for court action. 

At the end of the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. One attendee asked about how to deal with landlords gradually increasing rent in leases. “As a tenants advocate, I would have a problem with that,” said Samarel. “Because when you sign a lease, a lease is a contract. Both parties are bound for the duration of that lease whatever that lease may be. I don’t like the incremental changes; I would argue that’s unconscionable.” Questions ranged from how to address issues with landlords to issues with tenants.

“Bringing this forum to my district is an important step in ensuring our constituents are aware of and fully equipped with information about their rights as renters,” said Skoufis. “I was glad to provide a productive discussion for landlords and tenants alike so that all parties are able to better understand the new laws.”

“We hope that by providing this information we will prevent unwarranted evictions that destabilize families and our communities,” said Samarel.