NYC homeowners sue Mamdani over pied-à-terre tax rollout: Here’s what you need to know

Summary

Randy Mastro, partner at Dechert and plaintiffs' attorney, discusses a lawsuit against NYC Mayor Mamdani over the rollout of a pied-à-terre tax surcharge. He argues the city broke the law by failing to make individualized determinations and instead sent mass notices to property owners, including primary residents, shifting the burden of proof onto them. The conversation covers the legal arguments, the city's possible motivations, and the upcoming oral arguments.

• Randy Mastro explains the lawsuit is about the improper rollout of the pied-à-terre tax, not the tax itself.
• The city sent 17,000 notices without individualized determinations, which Mastro calls illegal.
• Many recipients, including Mastro himself, use the property as a primary residence, contrary to the tax's intent.
• Mastro suggests the city's approach may be due to negligence, laziness, or a desire to ensnare more taxpayers.
• The lawsuit challenges the reversal of the burden of proof, requiring homeowners to prove exemption.
• Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for the afternoon of the interview.