New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01865

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  
Report Pass
4/2/25  
Engrossed
5/13/25  

Caption

Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities or alter the unit for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider; requires a tenant restore appliances or fixtures to the condition they were prior to being installed or allowing such appliances or fixtures remain in the rental unit at no cost to the landlord; defines "appliances or fixtures".

Summary

Bill A01865 amends the real property law to prohibit landlords from restricting tenants from installing appliances or fixtures in their rental units, provided that such installations comply with applicable building codes and the tenant has obtained written consent from the landlord. The bill mandates that landlords respond to tenant requests for installation within thirty days, and any denial must include specific reasons and references to applicable laws. Additionally, the bill prohibits landlords from imposing surcharges on tenants for the installation or use of appliances or fixtures, as long as the tenant pays for the utilities directly to the provider.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts landlord-tenant relationships by enhancing tenant rights regarding the installation of appliances and fixtures. It establishes clear guidelines for landlords on how to respond to tenant requests and limits their ability to impose additional costs related to tenant-installed appliances. This change aims to provide tenants with more autonomy in their living spaces while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill A01865 appears to be supportive among tenant advocacy groups, who view it as a positive step towards empowering tenants and improving their living conditions. However, there is some opposition from landlord associations who express concerns about potential complications and liabilities arising from tenant-installed fixtures.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for increased maintenance responsibilities for landlords and the implications of allowing tenants to modify rental units. Landlord representatives argue that the bill could lead to disputes over compliance with building codes and the condition of units at the end of tenancy, while tenant advocates emphasize the need for greater flexibility and autonomy for renters.

Companion Bills

NY S06729

Same As Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities or alter the unit for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider; requires a tenant restore appliances or fixtures to the condition they were prior to being installed or allowing such appliances or fixtures remain in the rental unit at no cost to the landlord; defines "appliances or fixtures".

Previously Filed As

NY S06729

Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities or alter the unit for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider; requires a tenant restore appliances or fixtures to the condition they were prior to being installed or allowing such appliances or fixtures remain in the rental unit at no cost to the landlord; defines "appliances or fixtures".

NY A3483

Requires landlord provide various kitchen appliances in certain dwelling units offered for rent.

NY A00689

Prohibits the imposition of any surcharge for the installation or use of a tenant-installed appliance where the tenant pays for electric utility service.

NY A00086

Prohibits the imposition of any surcharge for the installation or use of a tenant-installed appliance where the tenant pays for electric utility service, under rent control, and rent stabilization laws.

NY S06718

Prohibits the imposition of any surcharge for the installation or use of a tenant-installed appliance where the tenant pays for electric utility service, under rent control, and rent stabilization laws.

NY A08131

Provides that municipal broadband service companies are authorized to provide broadband service to tenants in multi-family housing; provides that landlords shall not interfere with the installation of such service, demand or accept payment for allowing the service on the property, or discriminate in rental charges between tenants who receive broadband service and those that don't.

NY A00271

Relates to prohibiting surcharges for the installation, removal or use of an air conditioning unit.

NY A06419

Relates to prohibiting surcharges for the installation, removal or use of an air conditioning unit.

NY S2666

Requires landlords to provide tenants with certain notice concerning conditions that may cause damage or hazards on rental property.

NY A2592

Requires landlords to provide tenants with certain notice concerning conditions that may cause damage or hazards on rental property.

Similar Bills

NY S06729

Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities or alter the unit for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider; requires a tenant restore appliances or fixtures to the condition they were prior to being installed or allowing such appliances or fixtures remain in the rental unit at no cost to the landlord; defines "appliances or fixtures".

NJ A4614

"Affordable Home Energy Protection Act"; prohibits adoption of State or local rules that restrict the use of certain fossil-fuel powered appliances or heating systems.

CA SB593

Electrical corporations: significant voltage-related incidents: studies.

CA SB282

Residential heat pump systems: water heaters and HVAC: installations.

NJ S1929

"Affordable Home Energy Protection Act"; prohibits adoption of State or local rules that restrict the use of certain fossil-fuel powered appliances or heating systems.

CA SB222

Residential heat pump systems: water heaters and HVAC: installations.

NJ A4627

Requires public utilities to provide Energy Star-rated product and appliance rebates of no less than 20 percent of total cost of product or appliance.

CA SB1224

The California Emerging Therapies Research Partnership Act.