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In mid-March, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan unveiled what supports called historic fair housing legislation. The Common Council discussed the measure this week.
Under the proposed law, the Buildings Department can intervene and make repairs rather than declare a structure unsafe, displacing the residents. Negligent or absentee landlords would be billed for the cost of repairs.
Sheehan, a Democrat running for a third term, says the measure also would make it harder for landlords to evict tenants: there would have to be a good cause.
That good cause clause came under scrutiny Monday night, with several landlords and tenants voicing concerns. Among them, Emma Smith.