New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01557

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  
Report Pass
5/20/25  

Caption

Enacts the "tenants organizing act"; allows tenants' groups, committees or other tenants' organizations to invite outside guests or visitors including elected officials, services providers, housing lawyers, etc. without being required to pay fees; defines "tenants' organization"; provides for activities that tenants' organizations can take part in; provides for the manner in how a tenants' organization is established.

Summary

The "Tenants Organizing Act" (S01557) aims to enhance the rights of tenants in New York by allowing them to form and participate in tenants' organizations without interference from landlords. The bill defines a tenants' organization as a bona fide group representing tenants in rental properties with five or more units. It outlines the activities that these organizations can engage in, including conducting surveys, distributing literature, and convening meetings without landlord presence. Additionally, it grants tenants the right to invite outside guests to their meetings without incurring fees.

Impact

If enacted, the Tenants Organizing Act will amend the real property law to strengthen tenant rights and protections against landlord interference. It will empower tenants to organize and advocate for their interests, potentially leading to improved housing conditions and landlord-tenant relations. The bill also mandates that landlords confer with tenants' organizations in good faith, thereby fostering communication and collaboration between both parties.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be positive, as indicated by the unanimous support in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it received 18 votes in favor and no opposition. This suggests a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of tenant rights and the need for better organization among tenants.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, potential points of contention may arise from landlords who could view the provisions as limiting their authority over their properties. Concerns may also be raised regarding the feasibility of landlords attending tenant meetings and the implications of increased tenant organization on property management.

Companion Bills

NY A01535

Same As Enacts the "tenants organizing act"; allows tenants' groups, committees or other tenants' organizations to invite outside guests or visitors including elected officials, services providers, housing lawyers, etc. without being required to pay fees; defines "tenants' organization"; provides for activities that tenants' organizations can take part in; provides for the manner in how a tenants' organization is established.

Previously Filed As

NY A01535

Enacts the "tenants organizing act"; allows tenants' groups, committees or other tenants' organizations to invite outside guests or visitors including elected officials, services providers, housing lawyers, etc. without being required to pay fees; defines "tenants' organization"; provides for activities that tenants' organizations can take part in; provides for the manner in how a tenants' organization is established.

NY HB05258

An Act Concerning Tenant Organizational Activities.

NY A10991

Establishes the tenant power act; authorizes the establishment of tenant unions and sets forth the powers and duties of such organizations; establishes the statewide tenant association; provides for the enforcement of such provisions; establishes the statewide tenant association fund; makes an appropriation therefor.

NY S09912

Establishes the tenant power act; authorizes the establishment of tenant unions and sets forth the powers and duties of such organizations; establishes the statewide tenant association; provides for the enforcement of such provisions; establishes the statewide tenant association fund; makes an appropriation therefor.

NY HF689

A bill for an act relating to landlords and tenants, including the source of income tenants use for rent payments.

NY SB0375

Housing: landlord and tenants; limitations on fees charged to tenants; provide for. Amends secs. 2 & 3 of 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.632 & 554.633).

NY H5916

Increases the notification time about rent increases and termination of tenancy for month-to-month tenants.

NY H7765

Increases the notification time about rent increases and termination of tenancy for month-to-month tenants.

NY SB272

Landlord and Tenant; requiring tenants to provide income information; prohibit

NY S0719

Increases the notification time about rent increases and termination of tenancy for month-to-month tenants.

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