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.
As New York City residents themselves, Neil and Matt care deeply about ensuring their fellow New Yorkers have access to good-quality housing. That is why they have agreed to donate their time and that of their most senior team members to this important engagement.
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 meet the promises it made to improve living conditions for NYCHA residents. The monitorship focuses on specific areas NYCHA committed to improve. These include heat, mold, lead, pests, waste, elevator service, and property inspections. They also include NYCHA’s organizational structure and capital projects.
The Monitors seek input from residents about whether NYCHA is meeting its commitment to provide better housing conditions. The Monitors also host opportunities for residents and community leaders to raise concerns and share feedback.
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 prepare reports approximately four times a year describing the progress NYCHA has made on improving housing conditions for NYCHA residents. For more information about the Monitors’ reports, please visit our Reports page.