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Rochester apartment owner must compensate tenants who were forced to move
A rendering of a renovated Los Flamboyanes apartment community in Rochester. (Rendering from documents provided to Rochester City Council in 2025)
A rendering of a renovated Los Flamboyanes apartment community in Rochester. (Rendering from documents provided to Rochester City Council in 2025)
Rochester apartment owner must compensate tenants who were forced to move
Families that were forced to move from a Rochester affordable housing community as part of renovation efforts will receive compensation because the property owner failed to provide sufficient relocation payments and then failed to abide by a 2025 settlement agreement.
Landsman Real Estate Services, Inc. and Landsman Development Corp. in April of 2025 agreed to provide a total of $271,000 in additional Replacement Housing Payments for distribution to 25 families that in March were ordered out of Los Flamboyanes near North Clinton Avenue and Upper Falls Boulevard.
But an additional settlement was reached when the New York State Attorney General‘s Office determined the property owner failed to abide by original settlement terms.
Attorney General Letitia James said Landsman’s initial relocation payments not only were inadequate to cover rent and utility bills, but the landlord failed to tell tenants they had the right to return when the reconstruction project was complete.
“No one should be forced out of their home and denied the necessary resources to find a safe and affordable place to live,” James said in a news release, adding the actions were a violation of state law.
Landsman is in the midst of a $65.5 million renovation of the 153-unit housing complex. The project includes refurbishing apartments in the tower while tearing down nine existing townhouse buildings and replacing them with three new townhome structures.
Landsman said the company relied on guidance provided by a third-party specialist for how to manage the relocation of residents. In a prepared statement, Landsman said that guidance was incomplete with regard to procedures.
“For 55 years, Landsman Development Corp. has proudly served the Rochester community, earning a reputation for quality development and lasting community partnerships,” the statement said. “We apologize for any difficult circumstances our residents may have faced as a result of our actions.”
Landsman was legally required to cover relocation costs, including any increase in rent and utilities, for existing tenants until the new apartments and townhomes are completed. The amount offered — capped at $9,570, according to the AG’s office — was inadequate.
The AG’s office said some the forced relocation meant some tenants paid more than 30 percent of their income for rent and utilities. The office also will oversee future communication between Landsman and tenants, and Landsman said they remain committed to assisting residents.
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