Feedback to Determine if Cease and Desist Zones Should be Established to Fend off Predatory Real Estate Practices 

Brooklynites Can Provide Feedback Here

The New York State Department of State today announced it is seeking feedback from Brooklyn residents regarding the real estate marketing and solicitation strategies used to pressure homeowners to sell their properties. Brooklyn residents are encouraged to answer a short survey on this topic on the Department’s website. The feedback will be used to determine if more cease-and-desist zones are necessary to help prevent aggressive real estate solicitation from brokers, agents or real estate speculators that target private residences.

On November 7, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring the Department of State to hold a public hearing and investigation to determine if additional real estate cease and desist zones should be established in all or part of Brooklyn.

To help inform the Department’s investigation, the Department will be collecting evidence directly from Brooklyn residents through an online form. The Department will also hold a public hearing at a date to be determined to hear from residents directly. 

After the public hearing and investigation are complete, the Department of State will determine whether homeowners within a defined geographic area are subject to intense and repeated solicitation to sell their property. If so, a cease and desist order may be issued. For more information on cease and desist zones in New  York, please visit the Department of State website at Cease and Desist Zones | Department of State (ny.gov). Follow DOS on Twitter at @NYSDOS or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkDepartmentOfState/.

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