New York Senate Bill S04291

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/3/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Relates to the discharge of residents of a community residence; provides that nothing shall be deemed construed as creating a relationship of landlord and tenant between an operator of a community residence and a resident; defines community residence.

Summary

Bill S04291 amends the mental hygiene law and the real property actions and proceedings law to clarify the relationship between operators of community residences for the mentally disabled and their residents. The bill explicitly states that this relationship shall not be construed as one of landlord and tenant. It also establishes guidelines for the discharge of residents from community residences, ensuring that such discharges are conducted in accordance with existing laws and regulations from the relevant state offices.

Impact

The bill modifies existing state laws to reinforce that residents of community residences do not have the same rights as tenants under landlord-tenant law. This change is intended to provide clarity for operators of these facilities and streamline the process for discharging residents, potentially impacting how community residences operate and interact with local governments and voluntary agencies.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill S04291 appears to be neutral, as there have been no recorded votes or significant public opposition or support noted in the available committee discussions. The bill seems to address a specific legal clarification rather than a contentious issue.

Contention

There may be concerns from advocacy groups about the implications of not recognizing a landlord-tenant relationship, as this could affect residents' rights and protections. However, no specific points of contention have been documented in the available discussions or voting history.