A company that says it helps landlords swiftly evict tenants is facing backlash in some communities as residents face steep rent and gentrification.
The company, Quick Evic, claims it saves landlords money, time and effort by offering full eviction services.
But local elected officials say the community has concerns about tenants being taken advantage of in neighborhoods that are gentrifying quickly.
"Now more than ever, we should create a bill that will license these businesses so we can have oversight over the work they're doing, and if they're not doing the right thing, then they have the power to revoke their licenses so they wouldn't be able to operate," says City Councilman Rafael Espinal.
Richard Cabello, of Quick Evic, says landlords he works with are well-justified in their evictions, but amid a housing crisis, some instances are raising questions.
"There was one case on Putnam Street where the tenants were paying $1,500, $1,600, $1,700 on a three-bedroom house, he evicted everybody and the new people are paying $2,600, $2,700 and $2.800. But that was just one case," says Cabello.
Cabello says Brooklyn residents are victims of circumstance. But attorneys fighting to preserve affordable housing disagree.
Attorney Jack Underwood says, "Mr. Cabello is not responsible for market trends. It is his choice, though, to capitalize on a market that makes long-term tenants, the poor, people of color and unrepresented litigants into targets. In the end, I think that Quick Evic is a morally repugnant business right down to its logo."
"It is getting too expensive to live here in New York. So people should start thinking about either improving themselves to be able to meet the rent or find an alternative where to live," says Cabello.