Mamdani signs COPA into law, giving nonprofits first shot at buying apartment buildings up for sale

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) into law on 10 November in Brooklyn, giving vetted nonprofit housing groups and community land trusts a first opportunity to buy qualifying multifamily buildings when they come up for sale. The City Council passed the bill on 22 October by 38 votes to 9, with 2 abstentions.

Covers about 2,100 to 3,400 buildings; nonprofits get 145 days to close

The law applies to multifamily buildings with 4 or more units — 5 or more if the owner lives there — and no more than 100 units, meeting conditions involving serious housing violations, city enforcement programs or affordability restrictions; the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) estimates it covers about 2,100 to 3,400 buildings. Owners must notify HPD before selling, and qualified nonprofits may make the first offer; if an owner receives a third-party offer, nonprofits also hold a right of first refusal and must close within 145 days. The bill appropriates no money; funding comes from existing sources, including the city's Neighborhood Pillars program and a $200 million state acquisition fund.

Six years of legislative wrangling; takes effect in one year

COPA was sponsored by Council Member Sandy Nurse and debated for six years since 2020, introduced four times under three mayors without becoming law; an earlier version passed in December 2025 but was vetoed by then-Mayor Eric Adams on his last day in office. Mamdani made COPA a centrepiece of his "Block by Block" housing plan, launched in Brooklyn in May, and said at the signing: "COPA puts the power in the hands of tenants and community organizations." The law takes effect one year after signing, during which HPD must write implementation rules.

Landlord groups expected to sue; other Mamdani housing measures already in court

The law is expected to face legal challenges: landlord groups say it interferes with private property rights, and several of Mamdani's signature housing measures since taking office — including the rent freeze and taxes on non-owner-occupied luxury homes — have already been challenged in court. Sources: NYC Mayor's Office, Brick Underground, Bisnow, 10 November 2026.