Across New York State, real estate speculators are taking advantage of the housing crisis to buy up buildings cheaply and put working class homeowners and tenants at risk.

There is a bill before the State Legislature -- Tenant Opportunity to Purchase -- that would change that. Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) would give community residents a right of first offer and a right of first refusal when buildings are up for sale. TOPA would create a pathway for residents, community land trusts, and other nonprofits to convert existing multifamily rentals into permanently-affordable and resident controlled social housing. Passing TOPA would expand tenants' rights, stabilize neighborhoods, and support our organizing for better conditions and a quality place to live.