BILL NUMBER: S7893

SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the real property law, in relation to requiring land-
lords to provide tenants with a rent ledger

 
PURPOSE:

To ensure that tenants have access to a complete and accurate rent
ledger documenting their payment history and any other related financial
transactions with their landlord and/or management should any discrepan-
cies arise regardless of reason.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the real property law by adding a new section 235-ee
that would require the lessor or any authorized agent, upon the request
of the lessee, to provide the lessee with a rent ledger that has all
substantial information.

              

Section 2 provides that the act shall take effect on the ninetieth day
after it shall have become a law.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Housing stability and transparency are essential to tenant rights and
responsible property management. However, many tenants currently lack a
clear and accessible record of their financial transactions with land-
lords, making it difficult to verify payments, challenge inaccuracies,
or defend against unwarranted eviction actions.

This bill addresses that legislative gap by requiring landlords to
provide a rent ledger upon a tenant's request. The ledger will serve as
an official accounting of:

-Rent payments made

-Subsidies credited Any late fees charged

-Any lawful feesy ,

-Security deposit transactions Such documentation is critical in resolv-
ing disputes, ensuring accountability, and promoting trust between land-
lords and tenants. In addition, it protects both parties by providing a
transparent and verifiable record that can be used in court proceedings
or administrative hearings if necessary. This can also assist the land-
lord in receiving any rental assistance the renter might be eligible to
receive.

By requiring a basic standard of documentation, this bill aligns with
common recordkeeping practices in other sectors and helps modernize
housing laws to reflect current needs and expectations. It imposes mini-
mal administrative burden on landlords while providing significant clar-
ity and protection to tenants.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:;

N/A

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.