The expiration of federal vouchers and the city’s transition to state and local replacements make this a pivotal moment for housing policy.
Home prices have been rising faster in the Midwest, due to affordability, and the Northeast, due to limited inventory.
The Out of Reach report found that the cost of housing in the Hudson Valley continues to rise faster than wages for renters and buyers.
The expiration of federal vouchers and the city’s transition to state and local replacements make this a pivotal moment for housing policy.
The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors recently hosted a timely and impactful event on the evolving landscape of housing vouchers and the implications of New York City’s Fair Access to Rental Enforcement (FARE) Act. This discussion brought together industry leaders, housing professionals, and members to explore urgent issues affecting rental housing access, landlord obligations, and compliance with new legal requirements.
The conversation on Aug. 6 at the Hutchinson Metro Center in the Bronx took place against a backdrop of significant policy shifts and funding changes in New York’s housing market. According to Gothamist, thousands of federal rental vouchers are set to expire due to the end of a major federal program. In response, New York City plans to replace them with state and local programs—a move intended to preserve housing stability for low-income residents but one that introduces new administrative and financial hurdles for landlords and housing providers.
At the same time, the FARE Act, enacted in 2023, is reshaping the legal landscape for rental transactions. It establishes stricter rules on broker fees and strengthens tenant protections, creating additional compliance considerations for agents, landlords and property managers. Together, these developments are redefining how the rental market functions—making education and advocacy more important than ever.
The event featured a panel of housing experts, each bringing unique insights from legal, operational, and community-focused perspectives:
John Dolgetta, Esq.—HGAR’s legal counsel and managing partner of Dolgetta Law, PLLC, offered in-depth legal guidance on compliance with the FARE Act. He detailed landlords’ obligations, anti-discrimination measures and the proper handling of broker fees. His remarks underscored that legal clarity and documentation are essential to minimizing disputes and supporting fair housing practices.
Emran Bhuiyan – Associate Broker, Director of Sales at EXIT Realty Premium, and a Bronx-based landlord, spoke candidly about the realities of working with voucher programs. He acknowledged bureaucratic challenges, such as delayed payments, but also emphasized that vouchers can help maintain steady occupancy and provide long-term stability for property owners.
Annerys Escarraman – Licensed real estate agent and housing voucher specialist with more than 500 successful placements, provided first-hand accounts of the barriers tenants face when searching for housing. She stressed the critical role of Realtors and landlords in facilitating access for voucher holders and ensuring a smooth rental process.
The discussion was moderated by HGAR President-Elect Rey Hollingsworth Falu, who guided the conversation to cover both the practical and policy aspects of these changes.
Housing Vouchers 101—The panel clarified how vouchers operate, the eligibility process, and landlord participation requirements. Understanding these mechanics is vital for any professional working in the rental market.
Compliance with the FARE Act—Panelists broke down the new rules governing broker fees, emphasizing that tenants can no longer be required to pay fees in certain situations. Enhanced tenant protections mean landlords and agents must be diligent in their procedures to avoid costly mistakes.
Impact on Agents and Landlords—While administrative delays and paperwork can be challenging, voucher programs offer a dependable source of rental income and a pathway to expanding a landlord’s tenant pool. Agents are encouraged to develop best practices to navigate both the voucher process and the FARE Act’s compliance requirements.
Local Realities in the Bronx—The Bronx market’s high demand, affordability pressures and unique neighborhood dynamics shaped much of the conversation. Panelists noted that understanding local market conditions is key to making voucher participation successful for both landlords and tenants.
The expiration of federal vouchers and the city’s transition to state and local replacements make this a pivotal moment for housing policy. Without proactive engagement from both the real estate industry and policymakers, the shift could result in increased displacement, higher vacancy rates, and greater strain on already tight housing markets.
For Realtors and landlords, the message was clear: success in this environment depends on staying informed, building strong relationships with voucher administrators and maintaining strict compliance with evolving laws.
The Government Affairs team at HGAR remains focused on equipping members with the tools and information they need to navigate these changes. Events like this one are part of a broader effort to ensure our members are not only compliant but also positioned to advocate effectively for policies that strengthen housing access and protect property rights.
The insights shared during this panel will inform HGAR’s legislative priorities heading into 2026. These priorities will be shaped by the real-world experiences of members, ensuring that our advocacy efforts are grounded in practical realities as well as long-term housing goals.
This discussion will not be the last. HGAR plans to host additional forums, training sessions, and advocacy updates to keep members ahead of legislative and regulatory changes. The housing market in New York City and the Hudson Valley is dynamic and our association is committed to leading with education, engagement and action.
Members interested in participating in future Government Affairs events or contributing their perspectives to our advocacy work are encouraged to reach out to the Government Affairs team.
Together, we can navigate these changes, protect our members’ interests, and ensure that housing remains accessible, fair and sustainable for all.
About the author: Dr. Jermaine Meadows is the Director of Government Affairs for the Bronx for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
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