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.
Summary
A08131 amends the Public Service Law to extend existing landlord-tenant protections for cable television installations to broadband service provided by a “recipient of the municipal assistance program” under the New York State Urban Development Corporation Act. In practical terms, the bill authorizes municipal broadband service companies to serve tenants in multi-family housing and bars landlords from interfering with installation, subject to reasonable conditions needed to protect the premises and other tenants.
The bill also prohibits landlords from demanding or accepting payment in exchange for allowing the service on the property, and from charging different rents or otherwise discriminating between tenants who subscribe to the service and those who do not. It further prevents agreements or actions that would diminish tenants’ existing rights to use master or individual antenna equipment, and it makes these changes effective immediately.
Impact
The bill would expand section 228 of the Public Service Law beyond cable television to include broadband service offered by municipal broadband providers in multi-family buildings. It would impose new restrictions on landlords and building managers, while also applying to the service providers themselves by limiting agreements or conduct that interfere with tenant access or existing equipment rights. The measure primarily affects landlords, tenants, municipal broadband providers, and building owners or managers in New York.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable support for the bill, as the Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee advanced it by a 17-8 vote. The bill’s framing as a tenant-access and broadband-expansion measure indicates support for improving internet access in multi-family housing, especially through municipal broadband options. No committee transcript is available, so the record reflects support in committee but not detailed debate.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely the limits the bill places on landlords’ control over their properties and lease arrangements. Opponents may object to restrictions on charging fees, requiring indemnification, or differentiating rents based on broadband access, while supporters likely view those provisions as necessary to prevent landlords from blocking or monetizing tenant access to broadband. The 17-8 committee vote indicates some disagreement, but the specific arguments from each side are not available in the provided materials.
Same As
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.
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.
Requires utility companies or municipalities act with due diligence in providing notice to tenants of multiple dwellings about gas, electric or steam services being shut off; provides a cause of action for tenants who were not provided proper notice; provides protections for landlords of multiple dwellings with regard to deferred payment agreements; requires a utility or municipality provide employees who serve as a point of contact for each multiple dwelling they provide services for.
Authorizes two or more contiguous municipalities to create a broadband union district for the creation, administration, and maintenance of broadband infrastructure and services within such district; provides for governance, funding, powers, limitations, and related provisions for broadband union districts.
Authorizes two or more contiguous municipalities to create a broadband union district for the creation, administration, and maintenance of broadband infrastructure and services within such district; provides for governance, funding, powers, limitations, and related provisions for broadband union districts.