City Council Proposes Legislative Measures to Combat Deed Theft and Protect Homeowners

During a recent New York City Council meeting held on February 14, 2025, council members discussed a series of legislative actions aimed at combatting the growing issues of deed theft and protecting vulnerable homeowners. Key proposals included bills designed to strengthen homeowner protections and increase awareness of fraudulent activities that disproportionately impact communities of color.

Council Member Kevin Riley advocated for introduction 901a, which mandates the Office of the Homeowner Advocate to work in collaboration with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. This initiative aims to provide homeowners, particularly the elderly and heirs, with critical support in areas like financial planning, mortgage counseling, and preventing scams (Source: https://youtu.be/wBk5Um90e6Q&t=1168). Riley underscored the importance of these resources in stabilizing communities and ensuring families can preserve and pass down their homes (Source: https://youtu.be/wBk5Um90e6Q&t=1249).

Another noteworthy measure discussed was introduction 888a, sponsored by Council Member Crystal Hudson, which seeks to address predatory practices in real estate. This legislation would require buyers who reach out to property owners not currently listed for sale to disclose the estimated market value of the property in a clear manner. This transparency aims to deter exploitative transactions and protect particularly vulnerable groups such as older adults (Source: https://youtu.be/wBk5Um90e6Q&t=1327). Violators of this law would face civil penalties, further reinforcing protections against deceitful deals (Source: https://youtu.be/wBk5Um90e6Q&t=1405).

Council Member Carina Rivera also contributed to the discussions by introducing a pair of bills aimed at improving the Department of Correction’s responses to sexual violence. Her proposals focus not only on accountability but also on ensuring that staff and incarcerated individuals are safer within the city’s jails (Source: https://youtu.be/wBk5Um90e6Q&t=1817). This underscores a broader recognition of the interconnectedness of housing stability and community safety.

The council’s actions reflect ongoing concerns about deed theft, a practice that has increasingly threatened homeowners, particularly in neighborhoods with significant rates of Black and Latino homeownership. Many advocates have voiced the need for a coordinated response, highlighting that fraudulent activities such as refiling deeds and equity stripping often lead to the displacement of long-time property owners and the loss of generational wealth (Source: https://youtu.be/CnbBjKdwW2A&t=2600).

In a broader context, external sources have noted that the Homeowner Help Desk initiative aims to address these issues by serving as a resource for individuals facing foreclosure and deed theft (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/01/15/city-council-proposes-bill-to-combat-deed-fraud-and-protect-homeowners/). Furthermore, substantial investments have been made to bolster legal services and outreach efforts, demonstrating the city’s commitment to safeguarding homeowners from predatory actions (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/01/09/nyc-council-tackles-housing-crisis-public-safety-and-renewable-energy-goals-in-new-year-meeting/).

As the city council moves forward with these legislative efforts, the importance of robust communication and community education remains paramount to effectively combat deed theft and protect vulnerable homeowners.