New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S04217

Introduced
2/3/25  
Refer
2/3/25  

Caption

Requires the state division of housing and community renewal to verify there are no class B or C housing code violations or no more than 30 class A housing code violations on the property prior to authorizing a rent increase for major capital improvements for such property; provides that outstanding violations shall be corrected by the landlord and verified by the city rent agency prior to authorization of a rent increase.

Summary

Bill S04217 amends the administrative code of New York City, the Emergency Tenant Protection Act of 1974, and the Emergency Housing Rent Control Law. It mandates that the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) must verify that there are no more than 30 class A housing code violations or any class B or C violations on a property before approving rent increases for major capital improvements. If violations are found, landlords must correct them before any rent increase can be authorized. This aims to ensure that tenants are not subjected to rent hikes while their living conditions remain substandard.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact landlords seeking to raise rents based on major capital improvements by adding a verification step that requires the correction of existing housing code violations. This could lead to improved living conditions for tenants, as landlords will be incentivized to address violations before increasing rents. It also reinforces the role of the DHCR in overseeing housing standards and tenant protections, potentially leading to stricter enforcement of housing codes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S04217 appears to be cautiously supportive among tenant advocacy groups, who view it as a necessary measure to protect tenants from unjust rent increases in the presence of housing code violations. However, some landlords and real estate associations may express concern over the additional regulatory burden and potential delays in rent increase approvals, indicating a divide in opinions between tenant advocates and property owners.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between tenant protections and the operational challenges faced by landlords. Tenant advocates argue that the bill is essential for ensuring safe living conditions, while some landlords contend that the verification process could hinder their ability to maintain properties and manage finances effectively. The debate centers on the implications of these regulations for both tenant rights and landlord responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S07586

Prohibits any increase in the average monthly rental of a property by a limited-profit housing company unless the appropriate local housing agency certifies that there exists no recorded violations against such property or that all recorded violations have been cleared, corrected or abated, and that such company is maintaining all essential services required to be furnished.

NY A08404

Requires that any penalties for violations of housing standards or building and fire codes be assessed and imposed within fourteen days; increases certain fine amounts for violations of housing standards.

NY A03029

Prohibits any increase in the average monthly rental of a property by a limited-profit housing company unless the appropriate local housing agency certifies that there exists no recorded violations against such property or that all recorded violations have been cleared, corrected or abated, and that such company is maintaining all essential services required to be furnished.

NY S10504

Requires the division of housing and community renewal to publish the results of annual audits of approved applications for temporary major capital improvement increases on its website annually.

NY S09650

Prohibits landlords from including incorrect information relating to rent decontrol in certain leases and renewals thereof; imposes a violation punishable by a fine of $1000 for a violation by a landlord; requires the standardization of certain notices pertaining to units subject to the Affordable New York Housing Program.

NY S02196

Requires that any penalties for violations of housing standards or building and fire codes be assessed and imposed within fourteen days; increases certain fine amounts for violations of housing standards.

NY S03819

Requires that any penalties for violations of housing standards or building and fire codes be assessed and imposed within fourteen days; increases certain fine amounts for violations of housing standards.

NY S0580

Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted exemption by the secretary of housing. Provides tenants with a civil action to recover damages, including award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for any violations.

NY S2271

Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted an exemption by secretary of housing, and provides tenants with civil action to recover damages, including award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for any violations.

NY H8108

Limits rent increases to 4% annually, but allows an additional increase for taxes, insurance, or health and safety costs if the landlord gets an exemption from the secretary of housing, and provides tenants civil remedies for violations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.