NYC broker fee bill becomes law without Mayor Adams' signature

NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – A bill to relieve renters’ broker fees became law on Saturday despite Mayor Eric Adams declining to sign it, according to a spokesperson for New York City Council.

The FARE Act passed in November with a veto-proof majority, making Adams’ signature unnecessary to enshrine the rule in New York City law. 

The law will take effect in June, requiring landlords to pay the broker fee when they hire the broker. If a tenant hires a real estate broker to help them find a living space, they’re still responsible for those fees.

It’s a huge step forward for New York City renters, who can spend nearly $13,000 on upfront rental costs, according to the City Council. 

Lawmakers celebrated the win but cautioned it still needs the mayor's continued support to enforce.

“The era of the captive tenant may finally be over. This win belongs to all of us – but we must ensure that the Mayor’s Administration adequately implements and enforces the law after his puzzling last-minute statements,” said City Council Member Chi Ossé, who sponsored the bill.

Speaker Adrienne Adams noted the mayor was "fully engaged" in the bill's negotiations.

“New Yorkers deserve a city government that will prioritize their needs—not undermine them,” Adrienne Adams said. “The Administration was fully engaged in negotiations with the Council to ensure successful passage of this law throughout the legislative process. We fully expect Mayor Adams to implement it without delay to reinforce his pledge to support working-class New Yorkers.”