Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Tenant Protection Unit (TPU) of New York State Homes and Community Renewal has reached a $514,000 settlement with Manhattan landlord Steven Croman. Croman was found to have unlawfully defrauded renters by leasing regulated units for less than one or two years, thereby making them unavailable for New Yorkers seeking safe and stable housing during the statewide housing crisis. The settlement includes damages to be paid back to tenants who were overcharged.
The TPU launched an investigation into Croman’s practices after receiving complaints about his units being advertised on the BlueGround rental platform. The investigation revealed violations of lease agreements and rent laws, including excessive fees and rents that exceeded the legal regulated amount.
Under the terms of the settlement, Croman will pay $514,000 for violating the rent laws and overcharging tenants in nine rent-regulated units across five buildings. He has already refunded over $74,000 to some prior occupants.