Brooklyn Leaders Call For Deed Theft Eviction Moratorium To Protect NYC Homeowners

BROOKLYN, NY — Council Member Chi Ossé and the People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft announced a new initiative Monday to address New York City’s deed theft crisis, calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to implement a temporary eviction moratorium on properties under investigation for fraud.

The stay would remain in place until protections are secured to fully safeguard homeowners.

Thousands of deed theft complaints, many affecting Black homeowners in Brooklyn, have been filed over the past decade, Ossé said.

Ossé urged the Governor to use the same mechanisms applied during the COVID-19 eviction moratorium, including enforcement of existing state laws, to allow homeowners to remain in their homes while cases are resolved.

“No one should be forced out while the courts are still determining whether a home was stolen,” Ossé said.

“For many families, a home represents years of savings and sacrifice. When that home is stolen, they deserve time to fight back without the threat of eviction,” Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said.

Some housing and real estate stakeholders have expressed concern that a temporary eviction moratorium could slow the resolution of legitimate landlord claims.

Critics argue that pausing all proceedings in properties under investigation may create uncertainty for owners and mortgage lenders, and could potentially delay court processes for disputes unrelated to deed theft.

Others have suggested that implementing broad enforcement measures could require additional administrative resources and oversight to avoid unintended consequences.

The initiative also proposes long-term reforms, including a cease-and-desist zone to curb predatory real estate solicitations, a right to counsel for homeowners, dedicated investigative units in district attorney offices and greater LLC transparency to prevent fraud.

“No one should be ripped out of their home. Together we can win both restorative justice measures for New Yorkers who have experienced deed theft, and preventative protection for New Yorkers who might be targeted next,” State Senator Jabari Brisport said.