Newly Renewed 421-a Bill Outlaws “Poor Doors”

Developers in line for tax breaks for building low-income housing in or near luxury buildings can no longer install a "poor door" to separate low-income tenants from those who pay market rates. The New York State ban was passed recently as part of legislation that renewed the state's 421-a tax break program and strengthened the state’s rent regulation.

The "poor doors" installed in high-end buildings were previously allowed under a program created in 2009 by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed banning poor doors in May as part of his proposal for the renewal of the tax-break program.

The ban will not affect existing housing that’s already been built with separate entrances, but will impact construction of new luxury buildings.