Concerns are mounting over the rise in evictions at public housing managed by private companies under the PACT program, according to a recent audit initiated by Comptroller Brad Lander’s office. A report from the city comptroller outlined that the eviction rate at these New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties is notably higher than at traditional public housing, highlighting the impact of public-private partnerships in the area of social housing. The audit, cited by NY1, revealed that in the fiscal year 2024, the eviction rate for PACT properties was 0.57% compared to just 0.12% for traditional NYCHA developments.
The program in question, known as Permanent Affordability Commitment Together or PACT, transitions the funding source for apartments to Section 8 vouchers which purportedly comes with a higher federal contribution for renovations and repairs, while also granting the private entities the responsibility for collection of rent and upkeep, this according to a statement in a Gothamist report. In his interview with "Mornings On 1," Lander noted the heavy backlog of repairs needed in NYCHA properties and stated that, while the PACT program is aimed at unlocking funds for such repairs, residents carry legitimate concerns about eviction risks under private management.
In contrast to the intended benefits of the program, tenants are experiencing an eviction rate that mirrors that of private housing across New York City, sparking debates on the effectiveness of the PACT initiative in safeguarding the rights and housing security of residents. The inconsistency in eviction procedures and lack of substantial oversight by NYCHA across the PACT-managed developments was a critical finding of the audit, as was specifying that there have been disparities in how various PACT operators approach eviction with some being more aggressive than others. In response, the comptroller's office has made recommendations for NYCHA to standardize practices across PACT developments and ensure consistent application of tenant protections.
Defending the PACT program's outcomes, a NYCHA spokesperson articulated in a statement that despite previous reports, evictions have actually been very few. "After decades of federal disinvestment, PACT is one of the most successful long-term strategies for recapitalizing and preserving crucial affordable housing stock," the spokesperson said, further adding that the program maintains resident rights and that "NYCHA and its PACT program undoubtedly prioritize keeping New Yorkers housed, and any suggestion otherwise is misguided and false," as reported by the NY1.
This follows the comptroller’s assertion that residents must have "clear, accurate information about each potential pathway," according to a report by Gothamist.
