New York Attorney General Secures Relief for Displaced Rochester Residents

New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured agreements ensuring protections and additional compensation for 25 low-income families displaced from their homes in Rochester, New York, following a demolition and redevelopment plan at the Los Flamboyanes affordable housing complex. The agreements address failures by Landsman Real Estate Services, Inc. And Landsman Development Corp. To properly inform tenants of their rights and provide adequate relocation assistance.

Background: Displacement at Los Flamboyanes

In April 2024, Landsman informed Los Flamboyanes tenants of potential eviction due to planned renovations. A 90-day eviction notice was issued in December 2024, requiring tenants to vacate by March 31, 2025. An investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office (OAG) revealed that these notices did not fully inform tenants of their rights to return to the redeveloped complex and that the initial relocation payments offered were insufficient.

Initial Settlement and Subsequent Findings

An initial agreement reached in April 2025 with Landsman provided over $271,000 in additional Replacement Housing Payments (RHP) to tenants whose housing and utility costs exceeded the initial lump-sum payments offered. Landsman was also required to survey tenants and cover additional relocation expenses, such as application fees and utility reconnection costs. However, a subsequent OAG investigation revealed that Landsman breached this agreement.

Second Agreement and Tenant Protections

A second agreement was reached to ensure all eligible tenants receive full compensation. This agreement protects tenants from eviction and utility shutoffs during relocation. Tenants are entitled to an additional payment of up to $300 to cover application fees and utility reconnection charges. The Attorney General’s office will monitor communication between Landsman and tenants and ensure timely updates on construction progress, as required by law.

Broader Efforts to Protect Tenants

This case is part of a broader initiative by Attorney General James to protect vulnerable renters across New York State. Recent actions include:

• February 2026: A lawsuit against owners and managers of an apartment complex in Orange County for allowing residents to live in horrible conditions.
• October 2025: Stopping a Montgomery County landlord’s businesses from illegally discriminating against low-income New Yorkers.
• April 2025: Reaching a settlement with landlords in New York’s Capital Region for illegally denying housing to low-income tenants using housing assistance.
• August 2024: Forcing Shamco Management Corp. To pay $400,000 to low-income tenants in New York City for illegally denying housing opportunities.
• February 2024: Announcing a settlement with real estate broker Pasquale Marciano for stopping illegal housing practices that denied opportunities to low-income tenants.

OAG Leadership

The matter is being led by Jane Landry-Reyes, Deputy Attorney General of the Housing Protection Unit, under the supervision of Housing Protection Unit Chief Brent Meltzer. The Rochester Community Partnership is directed by Francisca Montana, Senior Manager of the Community Engagement Program. The Housing Protection Unit and Rochester Community Partnership are part of the Social Justice Division, led by Principal Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux. Deputy Attorney General Amaris Elliott-Engel of the Rochester Regional Office is also involved, under the supervision of Deputy Attorney General-in-Charge Ted O’Brien.