NEW YORK, N.Y. — New York City officials announced a landmark $2.1 million settlement with A&E Real Estate on January 16, 2026, resolving longstanding tenant complaints about unsafe living conditions and alleged harassment across 14 residential buildings spanning three boroughs. The agreement, unveiled by Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a Jackson Heights news conference, requires the landlord to address more than 4,000 building code violations and implement measures to halt tenant harassment practices.
Residents described the conditions as a “nightmare,” citing chronic elevator outages, hazardous maintenance issues, and neglect that severely impacted their quality of life. Diana de la Paz, a tenant, recounted months of elevator failures that left residents trapped and highlighted the tragic death of an 84-year-old neighbor during a heat wave, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
Mayor Mamdani emphasized the administration’s firm stance on landlord accountability, stating, “We want to make it clear to everyone in this city that no one is above the law and that if you are a landlord violating the law, then this administration will hold you to account.” The settlement marks a significant step in the city’s broader effort to enforce housing standards and protect tenants from exploitative practices.
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) had previously documented thousands of violations in A&E Real Estate properties, ranging from heating failures to structural deficiencies. This settlement obligates the landlord to undertake comprehensive repairs and submit to ongoing inspections to ensure compliance.
Tenant advocacy groups have praised the city’s decisive action. According to the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, such enforcement actions are critical to safeguarding the rights and well-being of renters in a city where affordable housing remains scarce.
Legal experts note that this settlement also serves as a warning to other landlords who may neglect their responsibilities. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has increasingly supported municipal efforts to combat housing discrimination and harassment, reinforcing the legal framework that protects tenants.
As part of the agreement, A&E Real Estate must not only repair existing violations but also cease any practices that could be construed as tenant harassment, a tactic often used to pressure residents into vacating rent-stabilized or affordable units. The city’s approach aligns with recent initiatives by the New York City Tenant Protection Laws, which aim to curb displacement and promote housing stability.
This settlement comes amid heightened scrutiny of housing conditions in New York City, where a growing number of tenants have reported unsafe environments and landlord intimidation. The city’s commitment to rigorous enforcement reflects a broader national conversation about renters’ rights and the responsibilities of property owners.
Mayor Mamdani’s announcement signals an administration ready to leverage legal tools and community engagement to ensure that New Yorkers live in safe, dignified housing. As the repairs commence and oversight intensifies, tenants and advocates alike will be watching closely to see that promises translate into tangible improvements.
For more information on tenant rights and housing enforcement, residents can visit the NYC Tenant Resources portal, which provides guidance on how to report violations and seek assistance.
