New York converting underutilized hotel rooms into permanent housing

Albany, New York – Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation S.4937/A.6262B on June 7, which will convert underutilized hotel space into permanent housing.

In order to use their existing certificates of occupancy to operate as permanent housing, the new law will specifically allow Class B hotels located in or within 400 feet of districts that permit residential use and meet certain criteria.

Hotels will also be able to provide permanent housing if they establish an agreement with the City or if they receive State financing, through the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act.

“As New York’s housing crisis continues to impact families, we’re taking bold action, embracing innovative ideas and thinking outside the box to help ensure that New Yorkers can access safe, livable, and quality affordable housing,” Governor Hochul said in a press release. “This new law allows us to tackle the affordability crisis head-on and convert empty, underutilized spaces into homes. I thank Assembly Member Cymbrowitz and Senator Kavanagh for sponsoring this bill and taking this step to ensure that New Yorkers have a place to call home.”

The bills were signed along with State Senator Brian Kavanagh, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and other housing and labor advocates.