New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06458

Introduced
3/14/25  
Refer
3/14/25  

Caption

Establishes a private right of action for tenants alleging a failure to keep and maintain self-closing doors; allows for a court to award compensatory damages, reasonable attorney's fees and court costs and issue an order to the owner of the building to remedy any issue with such doors.

Summary

Bill S06458 seeks to amend the executive law and the administrative code of New York City by establishing a private right of action for tenants who allege that their landlords have failed to maintain self-closing doors in residential buildings. This legislation allows tenants or groups of tenants to file lawsuits in competent courts, seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, or a fixed amount of $1,000, along with reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. Furthermore, the bill mandates that courts issue orders to landlords to rectify any violations related to self-closing doors.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly enhance tenants' rights by providing them with a legal avenue to hold landlords accountable for safety and maintenance issues regarding self-closing doors, which are critical for fire safety and security. It would also introduce new legal obligations for landlords to maintain these features, potentially leading to increased compliance costs. The bill does not create any liabilities for local government entities, thereby limiting the scope of its impact to private landlords.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S06458 appears to be generally supportive among tenant advocacy groups, who view it as a necessary measure to improve housing safety and tenant rights. However, there may be concerns from landlord associations regarding the potential for increased litigation and financial burdens associated with compliance and damages awarded to tenants.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from landlord groups who argue that the bill could lead to frivolous lawsuits and increased operational costs for maintaining compliance with the law. Additionally, there may be discussions about the adequacy of the $1,000 fixed damage option versus the potential for higher compensatory damages, which could be seen as a deterrent for landlords to maintain properties adequately.

Companion Bills

NY A01352

Same As Establishes a private right of action for tenants alleging a failure to keep and maintain self-closing doors; allows for a court to award compensatory damages, reasonable attorney's fees and court costs and issue an order to the owner of the building to remedy any issue with such doors.

Previously Filed As

NY S01911

Establishes a private right of action for tenants alleging a failure to keep and maintain self-closing doors; allows for a court to award compensatory damages, reasonable attorney's fees and court costs and issue an order to the owner of the building to remedy any issue with such doors.

NY A01352

Establishes a private right of action for tenants alleging a failure to keep and maintain self-closing doors; allows for a court to award compensatory damages, reasonable attorney's fees and court costs and issue an order to the owner of the building to remedy any issue with such doors.

NY S08500

Establishes a right of action for the deprivation of constitutional rights; provides for compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and reasonable attorney's fees.

NY A09076

Establishes a right of action for the deprivation of constitutional rights; provides for compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and reasonable attorney's fees.

NY A09166

Creates a private right of action for improper debt collection procedures; allows plaintiffs to recover punitive damages and reasonable attorney's fees.

NY S07721

Establishes a private right of action for deed theft; provides that victims of deed theft may maintain an action against a deed thief or a bank that provides a loan that assists in the commission of deed theft; authorizes victims of deed theft to recover actual damages, treble damages and attorneys' fees; defines terms.

NY A04362

Relates to the duty owed by cities and counties to children in the legal custody of such cities and counties with respect to the placement of children; provides a statutory private right of action for compensatory damage.

NY S09778

Relates to the duty owed by cities and counties to children in the legal custody of such cities and counties with respect to the placement of children; provides a statutory private right of action for compensatory damage.

NY A02182

Permits awarding of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in court actions for unlawful discriminatory practices pursuant to the human rights law.

NY A03255

Permits awarding of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in court actions for unlawful discriminatory practices pursuant to the human rights law.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.