In a bold move aimed at addressing long-standing disparities in New York City’s rental market, the City Council recently passed the Fair Access to Rental Equity (FARE) Act. The legislation, designed to reduce upfront costs for renters, has sparked heated debates across the city’s diverse neighborhoods, including Canarsie.
What is the FARE Act?
The FARE Act shifts the responsibility for broker fees—which renters typically pay when securing an apartment—to landlords. Proponents argue that the act levels the playing field for tenants, many of whom struggle to afford exorbitant upfront costs. The bill also includes provisions for increased transparency in housing costs and mandates monitoring of rent trends to address potential unintended consequences.
The FARE Act was spearheaded by Councilwoman Carlina Rivera of Manhattan, who described it as “a necessary step to make New York City’s housing market more equitable.” She emphasized that the bill reflects the City Council’s broader commitment to affordable housing and tenant rights.
Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse Weighs In
Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse, who represents Canarsie and other parts of District 46, expressed her support for the FARE Act while acknowledging concerns from small property owners.
“I was happy to support the FARE Act, as it represents an important step toward fairness and accessibility in New York City’s housing market,” Narcisse said in a statement. “While I understand the concerns of small property owners, I do believe the impact in District 46 will be more limited than in other areas, as many small landlords rent through word-of-mouth and personal connections rather than using traditional brokers.”
Narcisse also called for additional measures to support small landlords: “I will continue to advocate for additional support for small landlords, such as tax credits or subsidies, to ensure that small homeowners are not unduly burdened by this legislation.”
“Some argue that shifting broker fees to landlords could lead to higher rents. While it’s true that eliminating fees might result in costs being redistributed, this argument can be applied to nearly any measure designed to shift cost burdens from the consumer—in this case, the tenant—to another party,” Narcisse said, addressing critics of the act. “If we always avoided making such changes out of concern for potential redistribution, we would be hamstrung in our efforts to make improvements and address many issues.”
Narcisse highlighted the bill’s safeguards, noting that “The FARE Act includes provisions to monitor rent trends and enforce transparency in housing costs, helping to mitigate unintended consequences. It is part of a broader vision by the Council to make housing in New York City more affordable.”
Silence from Councilman Chi Ossé
The Canarsie Courier reached out to Councilman Chi Ossé, who represents neighboring Crown Heights and parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant and is the main sponsor of the bill. Despite multiple attempts, Ossé has not provided a statement. Ossé, one of the youngest members of the City Council, used social media and his experience of finding an apartment in Brooklyn to build awareness on the bill and ultimately get it passed.
Community Reactions
The passage of the FARE Act has drawn mixed reactions in Canarsie, a neighborhood characterized by a mix of small landlords and renters. Some residents expressed optimism, believing the legislation could ease financial burdens for renters, while others voiced concerns about its potential impact on housing availability and costs.
Local homeowner Jennifer Clarke, who rents out a basement apartment, shared her worries: “This law might make it harder for small landlords like me. If I have to pay broker fees, I’ll need to find a way to make up that money, and raising rent might be my only option.”
On the other hand, renter Marcus Brown praised the act: “Finding an apartment in New York is already tough. Broker fees make it even harder. This law is a win for tenants who just want a fair shot.”
Joan, a Canarsie landlord who advertises her listings independently, expressed frustration. “I think that’s terrible,” she said when informed about the new law. “They should have let the tenants pay. I’ll just have to manage it by myself.” Joan admitted she was unaware of the changes until contacted for this story.
Harold Hillyer of Exit All Seasons Realty shared a similar sentiment: “I think it’s a bad idea because landlords will now have to pay to fix the house and the broker fee. They’re just going to pass that cost onto tenants by raising rents,” he said. “For example, a two-bedroom that rents for $2,500 might now cost $2,600 or $2,700.”
Another local landlord, who declined to share her full name but identified herself as D.M., pointed out that many small landlords already bypass brokers. “I do my own advertising. Landlords don’t usually go to brokers unless they have a large complex,” she explained. She also expressed concern for brokers who may lose business due to the law.
What’s Next?
As the FARE Act takes effect, its impact will be closely monitored by policymakers, landlords and tenants alike. The City Council has pledged to revisit the legislation if unintended consequences arise, and Narcisse has vowed to advocate for solutions that balance the needs of renters and small landlords.
The Canarsie Courier will continue to report on how this legislation shapes the housing landscape in Brooklyn.