FAQs
What is the Agreement about?
The Agreement was reached between the City of New York, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2019 to resolve a federal lawsuit against NYCHA in United States v. New York City Housing Authority, 18-cv-5213 (S.D.N.Y.). The complaint in that lawsuit set forth the United States’ findings that NYCHA had routinely failed to comply with lead-based paint safety regulations; had failed to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing, including with respect to the provision of heat and elevators and the control and treatment of mold and pests; and had repeatedly misled HUD through false statements and deceptive practices.
What does the Agreement require NYCHA to do?
The Agreement requires NYCHA to remediate deficient physical conditions at its properties, including removing lead-based paint; providing adequate heat and hot water; reducing mold and moisture; providing adequate elevator services; managing pests and waste disposal; conducting inspections; completing capital projects; and complying with its obligations under federal law. A copy of the Agreement and other related documents are provided here.
Who are the NYCHA co-Monitors?
Neil Barofsky and Matt Cipolla are the federal co-Monitors of NYCHA. Neil and Matt are not affiliated with NYCHA. They are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New York State or New York City government. They are independent.
Neil and Matt are partners at the law firm Jenner & Block LLP and serve as Co-Chairs of the firm’s Monitorship Practice. Neil previously served as a federal prosecutor and as the Presidentially-appointed first special inspector general of the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Together, Neil and Matt have worked for about a decade on monitorships and providing independent oversight.
Neil and Matt’s NYCHA monitorship term began on February 28, 2024, and will conclude on February 28, 2029.
What is the Monitors’ role?
The Monitors oversee and support NYCHA in its efforts to abate lead, improve heating and hot water, reduce mold, improve elevator service, remove pests and waste, conduct inspections, and complete capital projects. The Monitors also oversee the implementation of reforms within NYCHA’s management structure. Their main tasks include evaluating data and reporting on NYCHA’s progress at improvement. The Monitors also routinely seek input from residents, government agencies, and city officials to inform whether NYCHA is meeting its commitment to provide better housing conditions.
Can the Monitors address my individual complaint about my apartment?
Residents should first contact NYCHA regarding complaints about their apartments. To report maintenance, repair, and other types of issues, please visit our Resources page, which includes contact information for NYCHA and other outside resources. If you report information about your individual complaint to the Monitors, they may be able to use that information to assist in improving how NYCHA addresses resident concerns or to identify other areas of concern to follow up with NYCHA.
How can the public learn about the Monitors’ work?
The Monitors will issue public quarterly reports that describe the Monitors’ work, including its evaluation of NYCHA’s progress in meeting its obligations under the Agreement. For more information about the Monitors’ reports, please visit our Reports page.