Prohibits utility service terminations in multiple dwellings; authorizes utility companies to seek a lien against such multiple dwelling for the amount of unpaid utility bills.
Impact
The bill introduces significant changes to existing state laws by protecting tenants from abrupt utility shutdowns due to billing disputes, thereby fostering a more equitable environment for renters. Tenants can continue making timely payments, and as long as they keep their dues current, their utilities cannot be cut off. This legislation accommodates concerns about tenant stability, especially in economically strained times, promoting tenant rights while ensuring that property owners remain responsible for their utility obligations.
Summary
Bill S08118 aims to redefine the regulations surrounding utility services in multiple dwelling units throughout New York State. Specifically, it prohibits the discontinuation of gas, electric, and steam services to entire multiple dwellings for nonpayment of bills. This is intended to ensure that tenants are not left without essential utilities, which is particularly crucial for the well-being of residents in such accommodations. Instead of terminating service, utility companies are allowed to seek a lien against the property in question to secure payments due, which provides an alternative approach to handling disputes over unpaid bills.
Contention
However, there are notable points of contention regarding its implementation. Landlords and property management groups might argue that this law undermines their rights as they may be responsible for utility payments that tenants fail to cover. The potential financial burden on property owners might raise concerns about the overall maintenance of buildings if utility bills remain unpaid for extended periods. Critics may also worry that such provisions could lead to tenants exploiting protections, creating a dilemma for landlords about how to manage financially viable operations while adhering to tenant rights.
Additional_notes
Overall, Bill S08118 reflects an evolving landscape regarding tenant-landlord relations, aiming to strike a balance between the rights of tenants to a safe living environment with essential services and the responsibilities of landlords to manage their properties effectively.
Same As
Prohibits utility service terminations in multiple dwellings; authorizes utility companies to seek a lien against such multiple dwelling for the amount of unpaid utility bills.
Requires owner of a multiple dwelling to procure and maintain fire insurance on such multiple dwelling in the amount of the full cost to replace such multiple dwelling; requires owners of multiple dwellings to use insurance proceeds to replace such multiple dwellings; deems void provisions in other documents which are contrary to such insurance requirement; provides that failure to comply with such provisions shall constitute a misdemeanor; gives tenants a right to resume occupancy upon restoration of such multiple dwelling.
Grants the commissioner of buildings of New York city the power to waive provisions of the multiple dwelling law with regard to construction or alteration of multiple dwellings.
Prohibits the issuance of a permit for the construction of a new multiple dwelling unless the multiple dwelling contains the minimum number of dwelling units required for the lot; defines minimum number of units required.
Requires the installation and maintenance of outdoor lithium-ion battery charging stations at multiple dwellings as part of the state uniform fire prevention and building code; prohibits charging lithium-ion batteries used in powered mobility devices inside of multiple dwellings.
Facilitates conversion of commercial buildings to residential uses in New York city (Part A); authorizes exemptions from real property taxation of certain multiple dwellings converted from commercial use in New York city that include affordable housing (Part B); relates to exemptions of eligible newly constructed rental multiple dwellings or conversions to rental multiple dwellings in villages, towns, and cities other than New York city (Part C).
Prohibits utility service terminations in multiple dwellings; authorizes utility companies to seek a lien against such multiple dwelling for the amount of unpaid utility bills.
Workers' compensation; policy and technical changes made to coverage and hearings, and Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals related provisions modified.