NYCHA photo credit NYC Housing Authority - 1
NYC Housing Authority
NYCHA photo credit NYC Housing Authority - 1
A recent audit commissioned by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander reveals that eviction rates at Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) developments have surged post-pandemic, aligning more closely with private rental housing rates than traditional NYCHA units. Following the expiration of the eviction moratorium, eviction filings and executions accelerated across all rental housing but occurred at a significantly faster pace in PACT-managed properties.
NYCHA Lacks Oversight on PACT Evictions
The audit found that NYCHA failed to enforce standard operating procedures for PACT property managers regarding pre-eviction outreach and tenant protections. Eviction rates and filings varied widely among PACT managers, with some property managers far exceeding citywide averages. Notably, C+C Management reported eviction rates nearly double the citywide rate, while others demonstrated rates well above traditional NYCHA developments.
Person holding Eviction Notice
Pressmaaster / Shutterstock
Person holding Eviction Notice
Person holding Eviction Notice
Pressmaaster / Shutterstock
Person holding Eviction Notice
Comptroller’s Resident Audit Committee Spurs Accountability
The audit was recommended by the NYCHA Resident Audit Committee, an initiative launched in 2022 to amplify resident voices. The committee, formed after extensive surveys, listening sessions, and resident roundtables, aimed to integrate tenant experiences into oversight processes. Comptroller Lander underscored the need for residents to access clear information about their housing options as they navigate decisions about entering the PACT program, transferring to the Public Housing Preservation Trust, or remaining in traditional public housing.
“NYCHA residents deserve genuine input into decisions about their future,” Lander stated. “This audit equips them with critical insights to make informed choices about rehabilitation options and holds PACT operators accountable for tenant protections.”
Deteriorating Public Housing Spurs Alternative Programs
NYCHA faces an $80 billion capital backlog due to decades of federal disinvestment, leaving residents to contend with crumbling infrastructure and inadequate living conditions. Programs like HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), known locally as PACT, aim to address these issues by converting units to Section 8 housing to secure private funding for repairs. To date, NYCHA has converted 87 developments to PACT, housing over 41,000 residents, with plans to expand to 62,000 units by 2028.
Findings Reveal Flawed Processes and Varying Eviction Practices
The audit uncovered numerous issues in PACT management practices. Property managers failed to adhere to pre-eviction outreach requirements, including informing tenants of financial aid options, engaging on-site social services, and arranging repayment plans. NYCHA’s Housing Stability and Retention Guidelines, the primary framework for tenant protections, were found to be insufficient and inconsistently applied across PACT developments.
Additionally, PACT managers lacked standard operating procedures for eviction thresholds, resulting in arbitrary practices. NYCHA also fell short in tracking eviction and pre-eviction activity, leaving gaps in oversight and tenant outreach efforts.
Resident Involvement in PACT Selection Shows Promise
The audit acknowledged improvements in resident engagement during PACT transitions. NYCHA has established Resident Review Committees to participate in selecting PACT Project Teams and planning rehabilitation and social services. However, the report emphasized the need for more robust oversight of PACT operators to ensure compliance with tenant protections.
Recommendations for Better Oversight
The Comptroller’s Office recommended that NYCHA improve tracking and oversight of PACT property managers, enforce compliance with eviction guidelines, and enhance outreach efforts to connect tenants with financial and social support. Strengthening these processes would ensure that residents retain critical protections while benefiting from the promised rehabilitation efforts under PACT.
