Close

Call for Action: Stop the FARE Act

The New York City Council is scheduled to vote on legislation (Int. 360-A, FARE Act) on November 13 that will eliminate the ability of a landlord, or their agent, to collect a broker fee from a tenant in rental transactions. The amended bill will:

  • restrict dual agency,
  • empower New York City agencies to issue fines on real estate licensees and landlords,
  • assumes that any broker advertising an open listing rental unit works for and is being paid by the landlord,
  • allow a tenant to sue a broker over a purported violation,
  • would prohibit landlords from paying the fee for a tenant’s broker,
  • and result in higher rents for tenants.

Please Take Action by calling your City Council Member and urge them to vote NO on this misguided legislation that threatens brokers’ livelihoods, lead to increased rents, and limit housing access. When speaking to the Council Member or their staff, please highlight the fact that this legislation will undoubtedly lead to higher rents for tenants and limit housing access.

Instructions on how to call your Council Member:

  • Fill in the “Call” form with your information.
  • Click the “Call Your Council Member” button.
  • Instructions will then appear, providing a short script and talking points on the issue.
  • Then click the “Click to Call Now” button which will deliver a phone call to the phone number you provided.
  • There will be a short minute long message you must listen to before being connected automatically to your City Council Member based on the address you provided.
  • You will likely speak to a City Council Member’s staff or leave a recorded message.
  • Remember to stress the fact that this bill will harm tenants by increasing rents and limit access to housing.

Take Action below and Call your New York City Council Member

Sample script and talking points below. You may also use a personal story. Please remember to be polite.

Hello, I’m calling as a constituent and a real estate agent in your district. I was hoping to talk to my Council Member about the bill from Chi Osse limiting broker fees. Are they available?

(What to say to the Council Member or staffer):

I’m calling because I am deeply concerned about Int. 360-A, otherwise known as the revised FARE Act. This legislation could devastate our housing market and make life even harder for New Yorkers like me.

Here’s why I’m urging you to oppose the FARE Act:

  • Forcing renters to cover broker fees without the option for property owners to contribute is a direct attack on affordability. This bill would drive up costs, making it even harder for working-class New Yorkers to find a decent, affordable apartment.
  • It would strip away over half of the rental listings on platforms like Zillow, StreetEasy, and Apartments.com. This is not just a loss of information, it’s a loss of choice and opportunity for New Yorkers who are desperately searching for a place to call home.
  • The bill opens the floodgates for baseless lawsuits and penalties against brokers, who play a crucial role in keeping our rental market transparent and accessible. The threat of constant fines and litigation will force many brokers out of the industry, leaving renters with fewer reliable options.

Please, [Councilmember’s Name], I urge you to stand with New York City renters and real estate professionals. Vote NO on the revised FARE Act and advocate for real solutions that protect everyone in our housing market.

Thank you for your time.