S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
4365
2021-2022 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
February 4, 2021
___________
Introduced by M. of A. HUNTER, GLICK, COOK, JOYNER, CRUZ, TAYLOR,
STIRPE, DE LA ROSA, SIMON, BARRON, AUBRY -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M.
of A. FRONTUS, NOLAN -- read once and referred to the Committee on
Housing
AN ACT to amend the real property law, in relation to requiring land-
lords to ensure rental properties are equipped with utility services
prior to renting such properties
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 235-b of the real property law is amended by adding
a new subdivision 4 to read as follows:
4. THE LANDLORD SHALL NOT RENT NOR LEASE ANY PROPERTY TO A TENANT OR
TENANTS UNLESS SUCH PROPERTY IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NEW YORK STATE
UNIFORM FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING CODE ACT DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE EIGH-
TEEN OF THE EXECUTIVE LAW, SPECIFICALLY THAT UTILITY SERVICES ARE MADE
AVAILABLE TO SUCH DWELLING. A LANDLORD'S FAILURE TO BE IN COMPLIANCE
WITH SUCH ACT PRIOR TO RENTAL OR LEASE OF SUCH PROPERTY, SHALL RESULT IN
PENALTIES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 145.15 AND 145.20 OF THE PENAL LAW.
§ 2. The real property law is amended by adding a new section 235-i to
read as follows:
§ 235-I. DUTY OF LANDLORD TO KEEP UTILITY SERVICES CONNECTED IN
BETWEEN TENANTS. 1. A LANDLORD SHALL PARTICIPATE IN ANY VOLUNTARY
PROGRAM OFFERED BY THE UTILITY COMPANY THAT SERVICES THEIR RENTED OR
LEASED PROPERTY THAT WOULD REVERT ALL UTILITY ACCOUNTS TO THE LANDLORD'S
NAME AND KEEP UTILITY SERVICES CONNECTED IN BETWEEN TENANTS.
2. THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY IF THE UTILITY COMPANY IN THE RENTED
OR LEASED PROPERTY'S AREA DOES NOT OFFER SUCH A PROGRAM.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05680-01-1