NY AG Slams Rochester Property Firm for Tenant Rights Violations

New York – In a landmark move against tenant rights violations, the New York Attorney General (NYAG), Letitia James, has secured significant compensation and new protections for 25 low-income families in Rochester who were unjustly evicted from their affordable housing complex, Los Flamboyanes.

The eviction stemmed from Landsman Real Estate Services, Inc., and Landsman Development Corp.’s (Landsman) failure to adequately notify tenants of their rights before requiring them to vacate their homes. Landsman was overseeing the demolition and reurbanization of the affordable housing complex, which led to a plan that displaced these families.

In March 2025, Landsman failed not only to inform tenants about their right to return to the newly constructed units but also did not provide sufficient relocation payments, including public utility bills. This left families financially vulnerable during the reconstruction period. Today’s agreement ensures tenants will be informed of their right to return to Los Flamboyanes in April 2027 and provides additional compensation.

‘No one should be forced out of their home or denied the resources needed to find safe, affordable housing,’ said Attorney General James. ‘Today’s agreement restores funds to the residents of Los Flamboyanes who were misinformed about their rights and denied complete relocation payments. My office will always defend tenant rights and ensure that the residents of Los Flamboyanes can return to their homes.’

Landsman first notified tenants that they might be displaced due to a renovation project in April 2024. In December 2024, Landsman issued a 90-day notice to the remaining occupants of the townhouses, indicating they must vacate their homes by March 31, 2025. An investigation by the NYAG determined both notices violated the law for failing to provide complete and precise information to tenants and that Landsman did not pay adequate relocation payments.

Landsman was legally required to cover the costs of relocation for tenants, including increased rent and utilities, until the new townhouses were completed. However, Landsman informed eligible tenants they would receive a single relocation payment capped at $9,570. In April 2025, the NYAG reached an agreement with Landsman to provide over $271,000 in additional Relocation Housing Payments (RHP) for tenants whose housing and utility costs exceeded Landsman’s initial global payments. The agreement also required Landsman to conduct a survey of tenants and pay their additional relocation costs, including application fees and incidental expenses for the installation of utilities and other services.

Following an independent survey by the NYAG, it was revealed that many tenants faced relocation and utility costs not covered by the initial payments. Some ended up paying over 30% of their income on rent and utilities, leading to late payments and potential eviction. The tenants disclosed to the NYAG that poor conditions in the townhouses at Los Flamboyanes, including pest issues, were further compounded by the financial strain caused by the relocation.

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