Tenants rally before the final vote in Cooper Union Square .
On Monday June 23rd the Rent Guidelines Board voted for a one percent increase on one-year leases and a 2.75 percent on two-year leases . The proposal passed by a 5 to 4 vote. The increases take effect on leases signed after October 1st.
Prior to the vote on Monday, on (more…)
On Sunday, June 15 CMS attorneys, staff and legal interns led an informational session for the Chinese speaking community of St. Rosalia’s church in Brooklyn. Parishioners learned about CMS’ 3 legal services and they learned about how the Chinese speaking community can access our free legal services. (more…)
On Wednesday May28th CMS and its coalition partners informed members about reporting housing discrimination and work place safety. Members also received information about a new opportunity for immigrants to share their experiences through technology.
The meeting began with Director at the New York City Commission on Human Rights, Ted Finkelstein who explained housing discrimination and the process through which tenants can report it. The NYC Commission on Human Rights protects individuals from discrimination in housing, prohibiting discriminatory practices that unfairly limit the housing choices of protected groups or individuals. The Commission on Human Rights offers free walk in services for the public to file a complaint if they have been a victim of discrimination in NYC. The office also covers employment discrimination, public accommodation discrimination, and bias-related harassment and protects the public against retaliation. Ted emphasized that landlords cannot discriminant against people with Section 8 or people who are undocumented. (more…)
Kenny answers a members questions about her rights as a tenant.
On Tuesday May 27th CMS’ Staff Attorney Kenny Minaya and Community Outreach Coordinator Virginia Thomas attended an information meeting for Centro Hispano Cuzcatlan members. During the meeting civil rights and criminal defense attorney Nasreeen F. Syed spoke about the impact of criminal records on immigration processes. Kenny informed members about their rights as tenants and what to expect if they are required to go to housing court.
The meeting was led by former Queens Housing Coalition Coordinator Ivan Contreras and Centro Hispano Cuzcatlan staff member Fabiola Arripre. Nasreen emphasized that any contact with the criminal justice system should be taken seriously and requires competent representation as a criminal case and as an immigration case as a result of the complication that may arise. (more…)
On Thursday May 22nd CMS’ Staff Attorney Alice Davis and Linea Laboral Operator Benjamin Petersen attended a press conference which supported passing legislation that will protect job seekers from predatory employment agencies. The Coalition gathered on the steps of City Hall to show their support for Assemblyman Moya’s legislation that would strengthen the Department of Consumer Affairs’ ability to protect job seekers from predatory employment agencies that charge fees, and give job seekers false promises of employment. (more…)
On Wednesday April 30th CMS and its coalition partners informed members about the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption program (SCRIE) and staff attorney Sylvia Nunez from the Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA) highlighted the resources that JASA provides to elderly NYC residents.
CMS staff attorney, Kenny Minya began the meeting with a presentation on the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE). SCRIE is a program that offers eligible seniors an exemption from future rent increases. SCRIE helps tenants who are 62 years and (more…)
