New York Assembly Bill A07911

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/25
• Refer: 4/11/25
• Report Pass: 5/19/25
• Refer: 5/19/25
• Report Pass: 5/28/25
• Refer: 5/28/25

Caption

Relates to enacting the central air conditioner and heat pump rights act; provides that a homeowners' association may not adopt or enforce any rules or regulations that would effectively prohibit, or impose unreasonable limitations on, the installation or use of a central air conditioner or heat pump.

Summary

A07911 creates the “Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Rights Act” by adding a new article to the Real Property Law. The bill limits the ability of homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to adopt or enforce rules that would effectively prohibit, or unreasonably restrict, the installation or use of central air conditioners and heat pumps in homes subject to HOA governance. The bill defines central air conditioners and heat pumps and specifies that HOA restrictions are unenforceable if they amount to a practical ban or impose unreasonable limits. It gives examples of unreasonable limitations, including rules that reduce a system’s efficiency or increase installation or maintenance costs by more than 10 percent of the initial installation cost. The bill also preserves HOA authority over equipment placed on HOA-owned or commonly owned property, requires written and timely approval or denial of applications, and provides for attorney’s fees to a prevailing homeowner who sues to enforce the law.

Impact

The bill would amend the Real Property Law to create a new statewide rule limiting HOA covenants, bylaws, and regulations that interfere with central air conditioners and heat pumps. It would make certain HOA restrictions void as contrary to public policy, require written decisions on installation requests within 60 days absent a reasonable request for more information, and protect homeowners by allowing fee recovery in enforcement actions. It also preserves compliance with health, safety, and permitting requirements under local, state, and federal law.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests generally favorable support for the bill in committee, with both the Assembly Housing Committee and Assembly Codes Committee advancing it by clear margins. The absence of transcript discussion limits insight into detailed debate, but the committee votes indicate the measure was viewed positively overall. The bill appears aligned with broader support for homeowner access to energy-efficient cooling and heating technologies.

Contention

The main point of contention is the balance between homeowner rights and HOA control over neighborhood appearance, property standards, and shared spaces. Opponents or skeptics may be concerned that the bill limits HOA discretion too broadly, especially by deeming restrictions void if they raise costs or reduce efficiency beyond a specified threshold. Supporters are likely focused on preventing de facto bans on modern HVAC systems and reducing barriers to installation, while the bill still allows HOAs to regulate equipment on common or association-owned property and to enforce safety and permitting rules.